1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 9 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 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (204 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 150 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, 1987 Ford Sierra (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Sierra | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2310 mm |
