1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 8 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 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 510 kg more than 1978 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, 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Datsun |
| Model | V8 Volante | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 60 L |
