1996 BMW 540 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 18 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 635 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
Make | BMW | Datsun |
Model | 540 | 260Z |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2565 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 213 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 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 Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |