1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 15 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. 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 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1977 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Mustang. 1977 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Mustang | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2304 mm |
