1988 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 104 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 280Z. 1976 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1976 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | M3 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
