1980 Ford Fairlane vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 306 kg more than 1980 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fairlane. 1980 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fairlane | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
