1951 Austin A 70 vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 34 kg more than 1951 Austin A 70. 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. 1978 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1951 Austin A 70 has manual transmission. 1951 Austin A 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Austin | Datsun |
| Model | A 70 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
