1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1976 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 13 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 414 kg more than 1976 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1976 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Thunderbird | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
