2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 34 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 20 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Toyota | Datsun |
| Model | Tacoma | 260Z |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
