1951 Bristol 400 vs. 1979 Datsun 280
To start off, 1979 Datsun 280 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun 280 (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1951 Bristol 400. 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, 1979 Datsun 280 (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Bristol 400 | 1979 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | Bristol | Datsun |
| Model | 400 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
