1966 Datsun 1000 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Datsun 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Datsun 1000 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Datsun 1000 (61 HP) has 8 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Datsun 1000 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 353 kg more than 1966 Datsun 1000.
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, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Datsun 1000. (84 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Datsun 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Datsun 1000 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Datsun | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
