1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1977 Datsun 280Z is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 255 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1977 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 1977 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Datsun |
| Model | 100 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2304 mm |
