2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart. (94 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart weights approximately 315 kg more than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX.
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, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (190 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart. (185 Nm). This means 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan 260 ZX has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | Smart | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Type | electric | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3230 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
