1996 Ford Indigo vs. 1976 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1996 Ford Indigo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ford Indigo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Indigo (430 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Indigo should accelerate faster than 1976 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 30 kg more than 1996 Ford Indigo.
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 Ford Indigo (549 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Indigo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Indigo | 1976 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Indigo | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 549 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2090 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2304 mm |
