1984 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1984 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 6 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1984 Ford Crown Victoria. (143 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 490 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, 1984 Ford Crown Victoria (338 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1984 Ford Crown Victoria 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. 1984 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Crown Victoria | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Crown Victoria | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2304 mm |
