1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1975 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1976 Ford Cortina is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Datsun 280Z 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, 1975 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1975 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1975 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Cortina | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
