2007 Panoz Esperante vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 2007 Panoz Esperante is newer by 29 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 287 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, 2007 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Panoz Esperante | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Panoz | Datsun |
| Model | Esperante | 260Z |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
