1953 AC Ace vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 AC Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 AC Ace 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 65 more horse power than 1953 AC Ace. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1953 AC Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 542 kg more than 1953 AC Ace. 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 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 AC Ace. (149 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 AC Ace. 1978 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1953 AC Ace has manual transmission. 1953 AC Ace 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:
| 1953 AC Ace | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | AC | Datsun |
| Model | Ace | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
