1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 248 kg more than 1977 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Thunderbird | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
