1990 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 174 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Datsun 260Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Datsun 260Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Honda | Datsun |
| Model | Civic | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
