1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 42 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Datsun |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 60 L |
