1988 Honda NSX vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1988 Honda NSX is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 88 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX.
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 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1978 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1988 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Honda | Datsun |
| Model | NSX | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2304 mm |
