1979 Datsun 280 vs. 1978 Toyota Crown
To start off, 1979 Datsun 280 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Crown. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Crown would be higher. At 2,751 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun 280 (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Crown. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Crown. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Crown weights approximately 78 kg more than 1979 Datsun 280.
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, 1979 Datsun 280 (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Crown. (157 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Crown. 1978 Toyota Crown has automatic transmission and 1979 Datsun 280 has manual transmission. 1979 Datsun 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Crown will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 1978 Toyota Crown | |
| Make | Datsun | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Crown |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2700 mm |
