1988 BMW 524 vs. 1974 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 1974 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1974 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 524 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
