1979 Ford Mustang vs. 1976 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1979 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 12 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. 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, 1976 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 1976 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Mustang | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2581 mm |
