2006 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1976 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1976 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1976 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | M3 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
