2009 Honda Element vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2009 Honda Element 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 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 301 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.
Because 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. 2009 Honda Element 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 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Element | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
