2006 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 2006 Ford Mustang is newer by 28 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 615 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Mustang | 260Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
