1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1976 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 396 kg more than 1976 Datsun 280Z.
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 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1976 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Datsun |
| Model | Caprice | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2304 mm |
