1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 1972 Datsun 240Z
To start off, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Datsun 240Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Datsun 240Z would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Datsun 240Z. (151 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1972 Datsun 240Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 877 kg more than 1972 Datsun 240Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Datsun 240Z. (198 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Datsun 240Z. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1972 Datsun 240Z has manual transmission. 1972 Datsun 240Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 1972 Datsun 240Z | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Datsun |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | 240Z |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2300 mm |
