1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1975 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 178 kg more than 1975 Datsun 260Z.
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 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 1975 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Thunderbird | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
