1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 200 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
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 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1978 Datsun 280Z has manual transmission. 1978 Datsun 280Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Fairlane | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2304 mm |
