1961 Austin Princess vs. 1979 Datsun 280
To start off, 1979 Datsun 280 is newer by 18 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, 1979 Datsun 280 (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1961 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 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 908 kg more than 1979 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Princess | 1979 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Datsun |
| Model | Princess | 280 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| 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 | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2530 mm |
