1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1977 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1977 Datsun 260Z is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 80 kg more than 1959 Austin A 55. 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, 1977 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1977 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 1977 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Austin | Datsun |
| Model | A 55 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
