The fuel rating for the Datsun 260Z is 20 city and 26 mpg highway.
On the road the 260Z provides good acceleration from its sleek inline six-cylinder engine. The car provides rewarding handling and good driver feedback. This traditional sports car is a good highway cruiser and it is an easy car to drive day in and day out. Furthermore, the rear hatch accommodates cargo. And last, but not least, it is a reliable sports car that will not break the bank.
Expect to pay from $3,500 to $7,500 for a 260Z that is in good to outstanding condition.
The Datsun 260Z was created between 1974 and 1978 worldwide and readily available for 1974 in the U.S. It was preceded by the 240Z and implemented by the 280Z. To my way of considering, the 260Z was the fairly sweet middle child. From a producing standpoint, it had some build time from the 240Z but less of the 280Z’s emissions load. So what does the tranditional Datsun 260Z need to provide?
The engine is a 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder offering 162 hp and 152 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a four-speed manual gearbox or a three-speed automatic. The 260Z does 0-60 mph in a range between 8 to 10 seconds. It is a rear-wheel drive two-door two seat or 2+2 sports car with a 52/48 percent f/r weight distribution. The car’s wheelbase measures 102.6 inches (2+2) or 90.6 inches (two seater) and the fuel tank holds 15.9 gallons.
At the rear the 260Z has a squashed fastback window on its hatch. The deck has the well-known slanted Datsun and straight 260Z or 2+2 specified in chrome. The taillights are large horizontally units. The chrome bumper wraps properly into the back fenders.
On the interior the driver views two large round tachometer and speedometer gauges. Three smaller round oil pressure, water temperature and voltage gauges are located high and in the center of the dash. The air and heater controls are situated below the three gauges, and the stereo is housed in the upper part of the center console. The three-spoke wooden steering wheel contributes to the sporty interior look. The low bucket seats supply adequate comfort and support.
On the exterior the Datsun 260Z has a long hood and the car sits low. The windshield is moderately raked by today’s standard. The hood has a raised center area. The two round headlights sit well back into the front fenders. The black horizontal grille runs the width of the hood, and the bumper is all chrome.
From the side this Datsun’s long hood is stressed. There is a slight cut line at the door handle and a stronger cut line at the bottom of the door. The front and rear fenders have a special lip at the edge. The round classic Z logo is prominent just behind the back window. There is a power antenna sitting on the rear fender.
The brakes are discs at the front measuring 10.7 inches and drums at the rear measuring 9 inches. The 260Z’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is in 135 feet. The tires measure 175 70 14 inch. Wider 195 70 14 tires improve the Z’s impressive handling even further.
The suspension at the front consists of MacPherson struts, coil springs, lower wishbones, telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. At the back the setup includes MacPherson struts, coil springs, lower wishbones, and telescopic shock absorbers.
If you want an easy and pure sports car that provides a true driving experience, the Datsun 260Z might be the excellent sports car for you!
Car Driving Experience: The Datsun 260Z