2003 Pontiac GTO vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 590 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 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, 2003 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac GTO | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Pontiac | Datsun |
| Model | GTO | 260Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
