1959 BMW 700 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 470 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1978 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 700 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 126 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
