Nissan Z vs. Datsun 280ZX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Z and Datsun 280ZX contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Nissan Z and the Datsun 280ZX.
When we compare the Nissan Z's and the Datsun 280ZX's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Z has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Datsun 280ZX has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Z's and the Datsun 280ZX's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Nissan Z ranges from $30,211 to $67,265 while a used 1983 Datsun 280ZX is priced between $1,500 to $39,990.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Z’s base engine makes 400 horsepower, and the Datsun 280ZX base engine makes 145 horsepower.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,162 - $69,421
Starting MSRP:
$42,970
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$34,022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$28,985 - $42,970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$14,994
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$54,605
Price Range:
$30,211 - $67,265
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$50,979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$35,475 - $58,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
770
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
750
# Good or Great Deals:
53
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,206
Price Range:
$1,500 - $39,990
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
192,765
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Nissan Z Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Datsun 280ZX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Z
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Datsun 280ZX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Nissan Z Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 10Datsun 280ZX Rankings
Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Z Trim Levels
NISMO, Performance, Sport
Datsun 280ZX Trim Levels
2+2 Turbo, GL, GL 2+2, Turbo
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
Warranty, Powertrain:
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.113 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
145 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
156 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 28 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
312 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
52.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3549 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
51.8 inches
Length:
172.4 inches
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2802 lbs
Width:
66 inches
Height:
49 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
91.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
14.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Diamond Pearl
Blue
Seiran Blue Metallic/Super Black
Gray
Boulder Gray/Super Black / Gun Metallic
Red
Passion Red TriCoat/Super Black / Rosewood Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver/Super Black
White
Everest White Pearl TriCoat/Super Black
Yellow
Ikazuchi Yellow Pearl TriCoat/Super Black
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Graphite
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
