1979 Datsun 280 vs. 2002 Honda S2000
To start off, 2002 Honda S2000 is newer by 23 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 2,751 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S2000 (238 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 7 kg more than 2002 Honda S2000.
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, 2002 Honda S2000 (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 2002 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | Datsun | Honda |
| Model | 280 | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2370 mm |
