1976 Buick Estate vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Estate weights approximately 580 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1976 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1978 Datsun 280Z has manual transmission. 1978 Datsun 280Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Estate | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Buick | Datsun |
| Model | Estate | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1884 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2304 mm |
