1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1976 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 400 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1976 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 514 kg more than 1976 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 Ferrari 400 (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 280Z. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1976 Datsun 280Z has manual transmission. 1976 Datsun 280Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1976 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ferrari | Datsun |
| Model | 400 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 60 L |
