1980 BMW 628 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1980 BMW 628 is newer by 2 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 2,787 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW 628 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 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, 1980 BMW 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1980 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 628 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 628 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 628 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 628 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2787 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
