1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 404 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Thunderbird | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2581 mm |
