1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1996 Buick Park Avenue 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 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 640 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.
Because 1978 Datsun 260Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Datsun 260Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Buick | Datsun |
| Model | Park Avenue | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
