1996 BMW 520 vs. 1977 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 19 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 13 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1977 Datsun 260Z.
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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 1977 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 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:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1977 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 520 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
