1999 Aston Martin DB7 vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1999 Aston Martin DB7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Aston Martin DB7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Aston Martin DB7 (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Aston Martin DB7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Aston Martin DB7 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1999 Aston Martin DB7 (542 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1999 Aston Martin DB7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1999 Aston Martin DB7 has automatic transmission and 1978 Datsun 280Z has manual transmission. 1978 Datsun 280Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Aston Martin DB7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Aston Martin DB7 | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Datsun |
| Model | DB7 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 60 L |
