1991 Ferrari 348 vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1991 Ferrari 348 is newer by 13 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 3,405 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1991 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1991 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1978 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1991 Ferrari 348 has manual transmission. 1991 Ferrari 348 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:
| 1991 Ferrari 348 | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ferrari | Datsun |
| Model | 348 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3405 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
