1988 BMW 525 vs. 1976 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1976 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1976 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 260Z. 1976 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1976 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 525 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
