1979 Datsun 280 vs. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
To start off, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is newer by 34 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 weights approximately 463 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, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 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. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 | |
| Make | Datsun | BMW |
| Model | 280 | ActiveHybrid 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2810 mm |
