1979 Buick Century vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1979 Buick Century is newer by 1 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 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 230 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
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 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Buick | Datsun |
| Model | Century | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2581 mm |
