1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 386 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 890 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 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, 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 532 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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:
| 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Datsun |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 60 L |
