2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 31 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 475 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan 260 ZX has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | XLR | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2610 mm |
