1974 Datsun 260Z vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1976 Ford Cortina is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 86 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. 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, 1974 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Datsun 260Z | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Datsun | Ford |
| Model | 260Z | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2565 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2581 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
