1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 2 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 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1977 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 686 kg more than 1977 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 524 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280Z. 1977 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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:
| 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Datsun |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 60 L |
