1983 was the final year of 280ZX production and the last year the Z car had an inline 6-cylinder engine. Production of the (Nissan S130) second generation Z-car sports coupe began in 1978 and was known by many names including the Datsun 280ZX, Nissan Fairlady Z and Nissan Fairlady 280Z (depending on the market). Motor Trend declared it their 'import car of the year' for 1979 and it was the first time the 'by Nissan' subscript was badged alongside the Datsun logo. Compared to its predecessor, the aerodynamically efficient 280ZX had a drag coefficient reduction from 0.467 to 0.385, and the lift coefficient from 0.41 to 0.14. Its design favored a low center-of-gravity and nearly 50/50 weight weight distribution in both the two-seater and 2+2 body styles. The two-seater had a 91.3-inch wheelbase while the 2+2 was slightly larger at 99.2 inches. The suspension was similar to that of the concurrent Bluebird 910, with semi-trailing arm independent suspension in the rear and MacPherson struts in front. The steering was initially either an unassisted rack-and-pinion or a Datsun 810-derived recirculating-ball with power assistance. The 1981 turbo came with a new power-assisted rack-and-pinion, which became available on the naturally aspirated models the following year. Engine options for the Japanese market included both 2.0-liter (L20E) and 2.8-liter (L28E) inline-6 cylinder units. The smaller displacement engine was intended to comply with Japanese government dimension regulations; the 2.8-liter unit was intended as the top-level luxury model in Japan. Cars destined for non-Japan markets received the L28-powered engine. The 2.8-liter engine produced approximately 135 (Net) hp, while the turbocharged version delivered approximately 180 (Net) hp.
The 1983 280ZX had an increased tire width and changes to the shock-absorber rates. The turbocharged 280 ZX rode on Potenza 60-series radial tires while the naturally aspirated versions received 70-series Goodyear Eagle GTs. Popular optional equipment included air conditioning ($650), T-bar roof ($800), and leather seats ($500).
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2024
1983 Datsun/Nissan 280ZX (North America)
The 1983 280ZX was priced at $14,800 for the 2-passenger hatchback coupe and $15,800 for the 2+2 hardtop coupe. The turbocharged version was approximately $3,000 higher. The standard engine was the 168 cubic-inch (2,753cc) L28 inline-6 cylinder unit with overhead camshafts, 8.8:1 compression (8.6:1 compression in California), solid valve lifters, seven main bearings, a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, and delivering 145 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 155 ft-lbs at 4,000 RPMs. With the addition of a turbocharger and 7.4:1 compression, output rose to 180 bhp at 5,600 RPM and 202 lbs-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while a three-speed automatic was optional equipment.
The 1983 280ZX was priced at $14,800 for the 2-passenger hatchback coupe and $15,800 for the 2+2 hardtop coupe. The turbocharged version was approximately $3,000 higher. The standard engine was the 168 cubic-inch (2,753cc) L28 inline-6 cylinder unit with overhead camshafts, 8.8:1 compression (8.6:1 compression in California), solid valve lifters, seven main bearings, a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, and delivering 145 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 155 ft-lbs at 4,000 RPMs. With the addition of a turbocharger and 7.4:1 compression, output rose to 180 bhp at 5,600 RPM and 202 lbs-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while a three-speed automatic was optional equipment.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2024
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The 240Z was not a new idea. Sturdy engineering, excellent performance, low price, attractive styling, and average interior had been achieved by many manufacturers prior to the Z-car. The reason the 240Z car was so great was that it capitalized on all these criteria and perfected the concept of a low-cost, reliable, sports car. Mr. Yutaka Katayama is considered the Father of the Z Car and is responsible....
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Z SPECIAL EDITION ANNIVERSARY MODELS: A LOOK BACK
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NEW YORK – When the original Datsun Z debuted in 1969, it was a revelation for the automotive world.An affordable, reliable sports car with style and comfort that could be used for daily driving was unheard of at the time. With a base price of %243,626 Ú.S., the Z – known as the Datsun 240Z in North America – was a sports car that was accessible to anyone.In short time, customers....
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Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1983
Nissan Monthly Sales Volume
December 2023
0
September 2023
200,334
March 2023
220,061
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
280ZX Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
91.30 in., 99.20 in.
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 145.00hp
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 180.00hp
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 180.00hp
$14,800 - $14,800
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