1986 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 1986 Fiat Panda is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP) has 90 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Panda. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 480 kg more than 1986 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Fiat Panda, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Panda. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Panda | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Panda | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 769 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 124 HP |
| Torque | 59 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2610 mm |
