1975 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 186 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. 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, 1978 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (163 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Escort | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1845 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
