1971 Chrysler Charger vs. 1979 Datsun 280
To start off, 1979 Datsun 280 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chrysler Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chrysler Charger would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chrysler Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chrysler Charger (227 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chrysler Charger should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chrysler Charger weights approximately 168 kg more than 1979 Datsun 280. 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, 1971 Chrysler Charger (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Chrysler Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Charger | 1979 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Datsun |
| Model | Charger | 280 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 2751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2530 mm |
