1973 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 1971 Datsun 240Z
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Datsun 240Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Datsun 240Z would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Datsun 240Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Datsun 240Z (151 HP) has 98 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Datsun 240Z should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Datsun 240Z weights approximately 90 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 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 Datsun 240Z (198 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 Datsun 240Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 1971 Datsun 240Z has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Datsun 240Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | 1971 Datsun 240Z | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Datsun |
| Model | 1600 | 240Z |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 151 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 978 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
