1979 Datsun 280 vs. 1980 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1980 Lotus Eclat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun 280 would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 101 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat.
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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 1980 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Datsun | Lotus |
| Model | 280 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2753 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
