2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 365 kg more than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | C | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2610 mm |
