1961 Austin Princess vs. 1977 Datsun 280
To start off, 1977 Datsun 280 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 280 (125 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1961 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 805 kg more than 1977 Datsun 280.
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, 1961 Austin Princess (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280. (197 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Princess | 1977 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Datsun |
| Model | Princess | 280 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 71 L |
