1961 MG Midget vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG Midget would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1961 MG Midget. (46 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1961 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 365 kg more than 1961 MG Midget. 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 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG Midget. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG Midget. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1961 MG Midget has manual transmission. 1961 MG Midget will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 MG Midget | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | MG | Datsun |
| Model | Midget | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 46 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 18.3 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1372 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1232 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2032 mm | 2310 mm |
