1986 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 238 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1986 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Datsun |
| Model | Corvette | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
