1978 Datsun 260Z vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 735 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Datsun 260Z | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Datsun | Nissan |
| Model | 260Z | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2565 cc | 3489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4135 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
