1990 BMW 316 vs. 1977 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 20 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1977 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1977 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1977 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1977 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 316 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
