2001 Land Rover Freelander vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 2001 Land Rover Freelander is newer by 23 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Land Rover Freelander (175 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Land Rover Freelander should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Land Rover Freelander weights approximately 360 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.
Because 2001 Land Rover Freelander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Datsun 280Z. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Land Rover Freelander will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Land Rover Freelander (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 Land Rover Freelander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 2001 Land Rover Freelander 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. 2001 Land Rover Freelander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Land Rover Freelander | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Land Rover | Datsun |
| Model | Freelander | 280Z |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2304 mm |
