1978 Nissan 260 ZX vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Nissan Cherry is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Nissan 260 ZX (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | 260 ZX | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2565 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2400 mm |
