1981 Avanti Avanti vs. 1976 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1981 Avanti Avanti is newer by 5 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Avanti Avanti (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Avanti Avanti should accelerate faster than 1976 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Avanti Avanti weights approximately 340 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, 1981 Avanti Avanti (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Avanti Avanti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 280Z. 1981 Avanti Avanti 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. 1981 Avanti Avanti will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Avanti Avanti | 1976 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Avanti | Datsun |
| Model | Avanti | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2304 mm |
