1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 236 kg more than 1975 Datsun 260Z.
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, 1975 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1975 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1975 Datsun 260Z has manual transmission. 1975 Datsun 260Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Thunderbird | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
