1992 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1992 BMW 520 is newer by 14 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1992 BMW 520. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 520 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
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, 1978 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 520 | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 520 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1631 mm |
