1963 Austin Princess vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1963 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin Princess weights approximately 876 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
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, 1963 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1963 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin Princess | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Austin | Datsun |
| Model | Princess | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
