1978 Nissan 260 ZX vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 34 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Nissan 260 ZX | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | Nissan | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 260 ZX | 159 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2565 cc | 2387 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 124 HP | 208 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1720 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |