Is The Nissan 280ZX REALLY The Worst Z Car?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ค. 2024
  • The Nissan 280ZX was the follow-up to the highly successful 240Z. It deviated from its predecessor in a few major ways. a major emphasis was placed on technology and comfort. While this made the 280ZX more attractive to a wider audience, it also affected the driving dynamics and handling. In this video, we'll discuss the conception, design development, and market reception of the Nissan 280ZX, the Z of the 1980s.
    The early ideation phase began in two phases. In the first phase, designers were encouraged to explore ideas without adhering to the Z legacy. Even though the drawings were relatively loose, there were a few elements that were all but guaranteed to make the cut. A long hood and short overhangs were expected of a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe. Many of the drawings also featured a kick in the window that emphasized the rear wheel. Designers clashed over the finer details, though. The B-pillar, for instance, saw a wide variety of executions.
    Another came up in the second sketching phase, which was more grounded in comparison to the first. One of the most contentious issues was the execution of the front grille. The old S30 had a wide opening that was bisected by the bumper. While it’s undoubtedly iconic, it also wasn’t the most elegant solution, and this definitely showed in the late model 260Z and 280Z. Designers tried to modernize this element with a more integrated solution. It wasn’t until they stepped into the wind tunnel that they settled on a direction. Sealing off the opening above the bumper and sending the air into the lower intake proved to be the better solution. A front-end spoiler channeled more cooling into this area and had the added benefit of reducing front-end lift.
    Styling wasn’t the only fact that they needed to consider. Nissan had to ensure that it could excel as a daily driver. Safety, usability, and NVH were all prime considerations. In terms of crash protection, the IP was designed to collapse and absorb the impact if the driver were thrown against it in the event of an accident. Interior controls were also adjusted to make them as safe and usable as possible. Hard or protruding items that could prove hazardous during an impact were replaced with large and soft touch points. The 2-passenger and 2+2 body styles used different seats. The high-backed bucket seats from the 280Z were updated and carried over into the former, as they suited its more sporting character. 2+2 models were equipped with more comfortable low-backed models that increased visibility for occupants in the rear.
    Overall interior volume increased dramatically. The S30 had 57 cubic feet of space. The S130, meanwhile, had about 73 cubic feet of space. Luggage capacity increased 37 percent from 7.47 cubic feet to 12.61 cubic feet. This was thanks in part to the use of a space saver tire in the cargo compartment. Not every market would see this benefit, though. That kind of rubber was illegal in Britain at this point in time. Nissan had no choice but to use a full-size tire in the boot. This was to the dismay of Motorsport Magazine, which aired out its grievances in May of 1980. The tester couldn’t even fit a suitcase back there without removing the cargo cover. Porsche seemed to get around this issue by issuing a disclaimer as well as providing a membership to a car recovery club. The publication was at a loss as to why Nissan couldn’t take the same approach.
    TIMESTAMPS
    0:00 INTRODUCTION
    1:25 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
    6:23 MARKET RECEPTION
    13:45 TURBOCHARGERS AND T-TOPS
    17:54 300ZX (Z31)
    VIDEO SOURCES
    www.barchetta.co/280zx-sources
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ความคิดเห็น • 168

  • @paulecrosby2006
    @paulecrosby2006 ปีที่แล้ว +88

    I think the 280zx is one of the most beautiful cars ever!

    • @CybertechYT-
      @CybertechYT- 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Agreed.

    • @concept2realitysobellc453
      @concept2realitysobellc453 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      You and Stevie Wonder bruv!!!😂

    • @concept2realitysobellc453
      @concept2realitysobellc453 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Had a260z then went for a 280zx...shyte..not worth a vank!!😮

    • @chrismc410
      @chrismc410 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​​@@concept2realitysobellc453why shite?

  • @curtrossel610
    @curtrossel610 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Bought my 280zx because I wanted to have a Datsun but couldn’t afford a s30. After working on the s130 and looking at it daily I realized that I had already bought my dream car. Favorite fairlady by far

  • @Battosai
    @Battosai ปีที่แล้ว +68

    Obtained and driven my 82 turbo for over a year now and just don't understand the hate. A great median between 70s era and 80s era cars if you ask me. This was an awesome deep dive! I'm glad to see people still making videos on the ZX

    • @BrianRomsdal
      @BrianRomsdal ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I had an '81 280Z in high school. Wondering were all or most turbo models automatics?

    • @TheSaturnV
      @TheSaturnV ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BrianRomsdal If it was a 280z it was ‘78 or older. ‘79 and up it would have been a zx.
      I owned 2 different turbos back in the day, both autos. Test drove quite a few in my searches, 5spds were rare.

    • @BrianRomsdal
      @BrianRomsdal ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheSaturnV you’re right my ‘81 was a ZX. I just don’t like the “ZX” so I don’t say it. I’ve had my ‘91 Z twin turbo for almost 15 years now. But I will own another 280 someday

    • @_blinkerfluid
      @_blinkerfluid ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a couple. These things are the absolute blast.

    • @AnupKumar-ru1ee
      @AnupKumar-ru1ee ปีที่แล้ว

      Nismo Haters will come and go....Straight up Nissan makes the most Handsome, Fast and Realiable cars...look at it R390, GTR( R32, R33, R34, R35, R36), the Silvia Range👈 no car is more handsome than Silvia( Sx)😅, just look at it! Then the Gti-R the Most Astonishing Bonnet you will Ever See in your Life! Just look at it! Darn than you have the Station Wagons, I owned Gt4-z front mount intercooler, 4wd, turbo, freaken fantastic plus the Stagea RS4, then you have the Nissan Bluebird Turbo, then you have that SR20VE Primera...gosh all other Japanese Car look quaint in front of Nissan Cars (the Primera - British Touring Car Champion), the Pathfinder 4wd and Safari are champions off road and desert than the V8 Cima and Gloria and Laurel Exquisitely Luxurious...the Z Range again all of them are the Best Looking cars ever....It's Simple: Nismo Power! Thank you for reading go fetch.

  • @damienlee1165
    @damienlee1165 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    This is unironically alot like up to speed from donut but without the high blood pressure. Very nice.

    • @Barchetta
      @Barchetta  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thank you.

    • @kwisin1337
      @kwisin1337 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I've watched donut turn into something not ment for me, this is what informative videos should strive for.

    • @JustinSeara
      @JustinSeara ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@kwisin1337 yeah donut has turned into something for the tiktok kids

    • @dragonsKeeper210
      @dragonsKeeper210 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JustinSeara exactly why I steered away

  • @sparky6086
    @sparky6086 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    The 280ZX Turbo w/ a 5 speed transmission was awesome. My kid brother had one. When first released, the Turbo was only offered in automatic, because Datsun/Nissan didn't have a strong enough in house transmission. The next year Datsun put in a Borg Warner T5, 5 speed transmission.

  • @alexvelasquez3026
    @alexvelasquez3026 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I’m on my 3rd s130 zx. Went from owning a rust bucket 83 zx turbo 2+2 in highschool. To a v6 mustang to a 07 charger srt8 after high school. Then back in a 82 280zx turbo 2+2( again rust bucket). Then had kids and own a truck and suv. Finally I found a 45k mile all original 82 280zx turbo 2+2 with all red interior and I must say this is my dream car. Will buy an s30( what started my love for Datsun) but that 2+2 turbo t top is the best in my books. People don’t see the potential they have with some atara racing wheels, fender flares, msa air dam, msa victory rear spoiler, and fender mirrors!! My god so beautiful!!!
    Till this day there has not been a single day that I go out in it and not receive a compliment. This car starts conversations and makes friends really quick!

    • @Christian-bo2gy
      @Christian-bo2gy 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That's so fucking heartwarming to hear. Congratulations.

    • @Kgio-2112
      @Kgio-2112 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I never saw a 2+2 turbo.

  • @williamandrews1683
    @williamandrews1683 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I've had them all!! The z32TT was an incredible car but nothing will compete with the S30s. I am currently building a high power L28et for my 76 and fixing up an 81 turbo 2+2 for my 16 year old daughter.

  • @chrismc410
    @chrismc410 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My mother likes hers, 1982. She still has it to this day and still dtives it as her primary car. I've driven it once or twice, i can see why she likes it

  • @josebrown5961
    @josebrown5961 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was 15 when the ZX came out. My first drive in one came when I was 17, a ZX Turbo and it was quite nice.
    Of course I couldn’t afford one but I grabbed a ratty used one a few years later. It needed lots of work and I did most of it. I never got it to where I wanted it to be but I had fun driving and wrenching on that Z.
    I hate that nobody seems to have any love for the old ZX.

  • @bobmcgehee1749
    @bobmcgehee1749 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Coming from someone that owed two of them, no. In fact they were probably the best cars I’ve owned, prior and after.

    • @SoBe80s.
      @SoBe80s. 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      As the owner of a minty 81 turbo with just 30k miles, I think it's a very comfortable wonderful car! It amazes me that this is the same company that produced the lightweight Datsun 210.

    • @bigdawg77
      @bigdawg77 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      My father says the same. He's owned a lot of cars in his life but this one remains his favorite by a longshot.

    • @bobmcgehee1749
      @bobmcgehee1749 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It simply never broke down, of course I took great care of it. Zero problems.

    • @sparky6086
      @sparky6086 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The 280ZX Turbo w/ a 5 speed transmission was awesome. My kid brother had one. When first released, the Turbo was only offered in automatic, because Datsun/Nissan didn't have a strong enough in house transmission. The next year Datsun put in a Borg Warner T5, 5 speed transmission.

  • @dougmyers6013
    @dougmyers6013 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Having owned and modified every version of the Z over many years, the 79 ZX was left untouched excepting the supension. The model was super comfortable, fast enough and a pleasure to drive on the interstate for long stretches. Mine had a factory CB which was always fun on a long drive. At home I had a 72 240z built to the hilt as well as 77 280z scarab clone, both purpose built, and the purpose was SCCA autocross in "A S/P" and "SS/Prepared", both multiple trophy winners, but the 79 was my daily driver, I really enjoyed that car.

  • @lunarpking
    @lunarpking ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've always heard about the 280ZX my whole life, the previous Z cars were always just "The older Z cars" where as the ZX? That one was the shit and the cool one.
    I'm currently trying to buy a 83 with digital dash in damn near perfect physical shape and low miles, basically a replica of the one my dad had when I was born. His didn't have the digital dash though.
    I've never cared much about "SPEED AND RAW PERFORMANCE" because if I did I'd get an electric car. The Nissan Leaf I was in pushed me into my seat from the acceleration, only other vehicle that's come close to that was my old 91 Hardbody that I would abuse the clutch to go 0-60 in just a few seconds. I'd rather comfort and a nice drive anyways, the speed limit exists and I'm just getting my speeding ticket off my record. Just a nice quick drive on the twisty country roads around here does it.. When there isn't a million people. My 94 Jetta with fat tires did it well and a 280ZX would do it even better. Nothing about these things is "terrible" other than the age, and hell... They're newer than my other car. Love that damn Beetle.

    • @sparky6086
      @sparky6086 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The 280ZX Turbo w/ a 5 speed transmission was awesome. My kid brother had one. When first released, the Turbo was only offered in automatic, because Datsun/Nissan didn't have a strong enough in house transmission. The next year Datsun put in a Borg Warner T5, 5 speed transmission.

    • @ThorOdinson-zc2kq
      @ThorOdinson-zc2kq 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Nissan leaf lol, what piece of junk.
      Nissan fan here. Owner of a 2007 skyline 350gt

  • @midas7394
    @midas7394 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for the trip down memory lane.😍😃

  • @TheSaturnV
    @TheSaturnV ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Had 2 '83 ZX Turbos. One of the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned. Worst in what way?

    • @guardianjl9574
      @guardianjl9574 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The back isn’t as attractive as the 240, 260, and 280z’s

    • @shawnalbarghouthi4113
      @shawnalbarghouthi4113 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@guardianjl9574 looks are subjective, the facts however is that the zx is better in every other aspect

    • @sparky6086
      @sparky6086 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      The 280ZX Turbo w/ a 5 speed transmission was awesome. My kid brother had one. When first released, the Turbo was only offered in automatic, because Datsun/Nissan didn't have a strong enough in house transmission. The next year Datsun put in a Borg Warner T5, 5 speed transmission.
      They'd take off, like a scalded dog & then, when that turbo eould kick in, WOW!

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@guardianjl9574 A 2 seat 280ZX is WAY better looking than a 280 2+2. That, and the ZX had rust protection and looks a lot better than a rusty 260Z.

    • @josebrown5961
      @josebrown5961 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hey did your ZXs have analog or digital dashboard? I can never find an analog dash.

  • @paulgallardo2194
    @paulgallardo2194 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have a 75 280z and a 79 280zx, love them both. Also sold an 81zx, regretted it hence the 79.

  • @V35_Obsidian
    @V35_Obsidian ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Awesome video man, keep up the great work! Can’t wait to see the next one

    • @Barchetta
      @Barchetta  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you. I appreciate it.

    • @lqr824
      @lqr824 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You must not have actually watched the video.

  • @Andgrey
    @Andgrey 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    It’s a good starter Z for a new driver. I fell in love with the awesome engine sound, extremely reliable, beautiful handling on the back roads and twisties. Yes it had body roll but at the same time it was balanced and felt like a tiger with four wheels for paws with the independent rear suspension. I replaced mine with a turbo z31 which was a rocket after I added a boost controller but I miss the zx now more than the z31

    • @josebrown5961
      @josebrown5961 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You are the first person I have heard that mention the awesome engine sound.
      That most of all made me love the ZX. I drove my 82 5speed for many years just loving that sound. I was raised on American V8 muscle but the sweet sound of a Japanese I6 was the best.

  • @bobvasquez1846
    @bobvasquez1846 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I push my 1979 ZX out of the garage and wash it after 12 years of storage. My dreams of being back on the road are right in front of me. the 280ZX has its looks, my car has spoke hub caps that give it a nice look at slow speed at lease thats what people tell me.

  • @mikenichols3849
    @mikenichols3849 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i was able to buy a 1979 model with a custom blue toned paint, a two year old model at thetimestill in mint conditio. it was the second car I'd owned at the time. since I've owned many vehicles from just about every manufacturer. the only other of those that brought me so much joy to drive was my 1983 mazda rx7 special edition with a larger engine and suspension that when tested equalled that of the in production corvettes. nonetheless the 280zx to this day is the one that is by far my favorite. since i did get one of the first 350z's. one of only 273 white versions produced in it's first year of production. it too was a great car but imho didn't have the emotional connection of the 280zx. my onl regret is that mine wasn't the turbo version.

  • @radleytube
    @radleytube 2 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Anyone got any links to other zx s130 videos like this?

  • @michaelbrinks8089
    @michaelbrinks8089 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If you lived in a red house in Monmouth Illinois in 1985 and owned an 80s 280zx. A crazy 16yr old & 13yr old who was tagging along. "Borrowed" your 280zx one sumner Friday night while you were out of town and pushed it to It's limits on Cameron blacktop outside of town. Somehow by the grace of god. The 16yr old driver managed to get the car back into the garage without a scratch on it.

  • @afoolandhismoneychannel
    @afoolandhismoneychannel 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The 280ZX was the right car for the era. Personal luxury was the most popular category at the time so it's no surprise that Nissan moved the Z-car in that direction. They styling was excellent as well, taking the classic S30 shape and modernizing it.
    Too many people try to judge cars of one period in history against those of another, and that's unfair. A car should be regarded only from the time it existed in.

  • @ClamHammer-rn3rg
    @ClamHammer-rn3rg ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Good video, thanks. The title doesn’t really fit though

    • @Barchetta
      @Barchetta  ปีที่แล้ว

      I can definitely see that. I’m not very good with titles. Thank you.

  • @frankthetank2821
    @frankthetank2821 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have a 280zx I always say I wish it was a s30 but it does feel comfortable on the highway

    • @alextepozteco3681
      @alextepozteco3681 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Build on that platform and you'll be out competing s30's in comfort in the s130, my 280zx is making about 350 on the L28ET and its taken a beating

    • @MarkAngelbuer
      @MarkAngelbuer ปีที่แล้ว

      @@alextepozteco3681 just turbocharged? my goal is 300hp for my 83 280zx going NA, but what kind of mods you got on it?

    • @alextepozteco3681
      @alextepozteco3681 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MarkAngelbuer mostly stock on the engine, turbo L series didn't have an intercooler so I added one, got a slightly bigger turbo running at 10psi with a 3 inch exhaust, and I replaced the turbo cam for an p79 n/a cam, MLS 2mm head gasket, and a stand alone megasquirt 2

    • @amadowaycott1108
      @amadowaycott1108 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@alextepozteco3681 wait, the P79 head was better for the bigger turbo? I thought the P90 head was built for turbos, I’m confused. (Take it easy on me, I’m not that knowledgeable)

    • @alextepozteco3681
      @alextepozteco3681 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@amadowaycott1108 the P90 head is the best head for turbo L series but the P79 is a good turbo conversion head since it has really good flow and identical combustion chambers to the p90 the main difference is the p90 has square ports and the p79 has Dimond ports with exhaust liners for emmisions, what I did was get the n/a camshaft off a P79 and used it on my P90 head n/a cams have more lift and slightly better duration

  • @travisfranklin423
    @travisfranklin423 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Most ZX haters ended up swapping in the L28 from ZX`s, I think that's ironic.

    • @thatzfever7294
      @thatzfever7294 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s not the drivetrain that’s in question, it’s the suspension and exterior that didn’t appeal to consumers.

    • @williamandrews1683
      @williamandrews1683 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The high compression engine that can be made with different parts runs quite well.

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@thatzfever7294 When you sell more 280ZX's in 1979 than any other zcar in any year; it DID appeal to customers. The exterior was also vastly superiority to earlier designs as the 280ZX was STABLE and faster at speed because they actually used a wind tunnel on the 280ZX. Hell, my 1979ZX was even the same weight as the outgoing 280Z. The huge 21+ gallon tank in the ZX plus the better mileage mad the Z outstanding as a fast highway driver for long distances!

  • @rondye9398
    @rondye9398 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My 83 ZX is a much better car than my 76 280Z period. Fit, finish, and materials are much better. As far as handling the 76 car was very tail happy which led to it's demise at less than 10k miles when a roomate took a tail end first off road adventure. By 1983 the entire rear suspension system had been redesigned and upgraded which makes for a much improved experience.

    • @racketman2u
      @racketman2u 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      most people would disagree with you; the trailing arm suspension of the 280ZX took up less space than the S30 mcpherson strut, but led to worse suspension geometry from a handling point of view, so the 280zx had lower limits than the 280Z. The Triumph TR6 suffered from the same flaw.

  • @jclasala5812
    @jclasala5812 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Been driving my 280zx since ‘87 - 300k miles on it - still the best daily car ever

  • @primeral
    @primeral 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm not too fond of the S130's looks, but mad respect to the folks who keep them running today. When I see them on the road, I feel happy and nostalgic.

    • @chrismc410
      @chrismc410 หลายเดือนก่อน

      What's wrong with it?

    • @primeral
      @primeral หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@chrismc410 nothing wrong with it, I'm just partial to the curves of the S30

  • @ShallowThought
    @ShallowThought ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I keep coincidentally see your uploads within the first minute...

  • @racekar80
    @racekar80 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I raced a 280Z in the SCCA ITS series, and then moved on to a 280ZX. The ZX had better disc rear brakes. With race suspension it was faster than my 280z. Sold it to move on to a second generation RX-7.

  • @ZettoMedia
    @ZettoMedia ปีที่แล้ว +4

    13:33 😁
    I enjoyed the vid. Keep it up! 🙂👌

    • @Barchetta
      @Barchetta  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I appreciate it.

  • @midas7394
    @midas7394 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We had a 280 zx manual & then ..... as an easy modification.......... bolted 3 X 240 dso Webers from a 2.0lt Afla GTV ....... Then had the exhaust system upgraded to a 3" with a 'bro speed' booster.
    After those upgrades only, our 280 zx out performed all comers in our area. After upgrading the valve springs to allow us to rev higher, we were able to melt tires. ha-ha
    Those tight budget days bring back fond memories. ha-ha

    • @lqr824
      @lqr824 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      > After those upgrades only, our 280 zx out performed all comers in our area
      You must have lived in a retirement community.

    • @midas7394
      @midas7394 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@lqr824 Maybe! Our cities population was only 2.5 million back in those days.

  • @701garage
    @701garage ปีที่แล้ว +1

    would love a z31 to add to the collection but I don't think I would ever buy the 280zx. I own a Modified 280z right now which i would never sell.

  • @aseheavyindustries798
    @aseheavyindustries798 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    love this, sending it to my dad

    • @Barchetta
      @Barchetta  ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome. I hope he enjoys it.

  • @joseaugusto-vd9vg
    @joseaugusto-vd9vg 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Miss the 289zxt it 200hp and the maximiun speed 230klh but ONLY sale in europe

  • @tonyplumtree7747
    @tonyplumtree7747 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I had an 81 Turbo auto back in the late 80's. T-roof and leather interior. Previous owner added a fiberglass front splitter and spoiler on the back hatch. Coolest looking POS I ever owned. Rust from hell in the frame rails and for some reason it kept on going through fuel pumps. It got stolen and then recovered shortly before I was going to get an insurance check. I swear that car was demon possessed.

  • @Harve955
    @Harve955 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    There can only be One. That One is the 240Z the first best and by far the prettiest and most sought after.

  • @yadhirrajkoomar8617
    @yadhirrajkoomar8617 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It was the 280zx that made the z name well known after the 240z

    • @chrismc410
      @chrismc410 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Some would say the 280z is what really put Nissan on the map on sports cars of that era. Certainly matured when it came out. No more carburetor and yes to EFI.
      The 280ZX showed that one can have luxury and have the sporty feel and characteristics and at the same time not forgetting its roots.
      The 300ZX changed the game completely. One could say it😢 could do everything a traditional sports car and do everything a personal luxury car at the same time. One did not have to choose between comfort and performance and feel. The 300ZX/Z31 gave you both. If you really want speed, the Turbocharged 300ZX had you covered, if one could live with an automatic transmission, their 4-speed automatic was the only one they had in-house that could handle the turbocharged engine at the time.
      They later found a manual gearbox that was strong enough

  • @user-fu9vj9ix3g
    @user-fu9vj9ix3g 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bought the last Z car (made in 78) as a 22 year old that just landed a good job. That was 1979, the year when the ZX came out. I could have bought the ZX, but after driving both , I got the Z because I quickly realized that the ZX was a bloated pig compared to the Z. My opinion hasn't changed. Glad the model changes have made up for that mistake.

  • @TheValrbrock
    @TheValrbrock ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

  • @lowellhouser7731
    @lowellhouser7731 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The DATSUN Z was the Japanese Mustang - great to live with, stylish, fun, but still affordable, even the 280. The 90's NISSAN Z, the 300Z was the first Z that felt like it was truly exotic rather than merely foreign-made, saying that as someone who was alive and remembers seeing them around regularly.

    • @chrismc410
      @chrismc410 หลายเดือนก่อน

      By that logic, one could say the Toyota Celica Supra and the post- 1985 Supra is the Japanese Camaro/Firebird/Trans-AM.
      The Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser are the Japanese Dodge Dart and Plymouth Duster and the Starion is the Japanese Charger and Roadrunner.
      Chrysler had controlling interest in Mitsubishi back then and had collaborated with them from the mid 70s to early 2000s so the last paragraph wasn't far from the truth

  • @nipplesmacgillicuddy3584
    @nipplesmacgillicuddy3584 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My buddy in high school had a 280zx, that absolutely screwed. I had a 69 Coronet.

  • @WALTERBROADDUS
    @WALTERBROADDUS 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The ZX is the 1st I ever bought. Used 1979, rusty floor hole and leaking injection. $900. Loved till it got towed away. Balanced designed GT car. A poor man's Vette. And better than rival Mazda or God forbid, TR-7.

  • @q95oldies57
    @q95oldies57 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    All depends on your opinion. I had two 240s, and a 280. Never had a ZX. They are nice too.

  • @nos1000100
    @nos1000100 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love my 280zx but I can understand why it wasn't as popular as the 240z and friends. Mostly on the performance per dollar

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The ZX was MORE popular. Look at the sales numbers.

  • @user-pz1xn1zz7n
    @user-pz1xn1zz7n 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    280zx очень крутая модель , у меня была такая , и еще двух местная датсун , и более свежая 89года 3х литровая ,но 280zx впечатлила больше остальных ,вот двигатель почему то 2х литровый был , думаю стоило в нее более мощный мотор поставить возможно турбовый , мне больше остальных понравилась эта модель !!!

  • @winstonlandymore4154
    @winstonlandymore4154 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    In stock form the 280ZX is pretty lame. We converted one to a road race car and with correcting the suspension geometry, lightening the car and installing 15" wheels and perf tires, it performed very well. It was a little under powered but the rest of the car was great. For the street this will be more difficult.

  • @choppergirl
    @choppergirl 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I can't say I'm happy with my 280zxt after like 2 decades with it.
    It hasn't been a very reliable car. Blown a lot of head gaskets, and fuel injectors are always leaky, and shocks have always been shot out. All that premium luxury car stuff on it... cruise control, talking lady, door lights, air conditioner, stereo, digital dash, gas tank measuring stick, oxygen sensor, etc... just dies over time and never works again. The clear coat peels off and looks like dandruf. I've had to clean the steering column light stick contact switches more times than I can count. It's not a very friendly vintage car to own at all. It only seems fast because it's low to the ground. I gave up driving the Z and switched to driving cruiser motorcycles, they were much more fun, cheaper, more fuel efficient, faster, and just better vehicles. The Z now seems like a gas plg by comparison, I would never go back to driving the Z.

    • @ceasersaahir7949
      @ceasersaahir7949 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      You have to do maitenance to keep your car running smoothly! You can not compare a motorcycle to a car in gasoline efficientcy Lol!!

    • @choppergirl
      @choppergirl 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@ceasersaahir7949 45mpg is a lot better than 25mpg. My 280zxt only seemed fast because it was so low to the ground... it's an illusion of speed car... and not terribly original... a knock off of the Jaguar E type. I haven't driven my 280zxt in geez... 10 years maybe... it just eats too much gas. Parked where I last parked it, and as they say... for real, running when parked!

  • @LastHumansGarage
    @LastHumansGarage 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    loved my 1981.. a lot..

  • @anthonyciolli5891
    @anthonyciolli5891 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Had a 280ZX 2+2 TURBO, loaded with all the options in 82, $17K sticker, this car was no slouch, forget the Mazda rotary to compete with this car,,,

  • @Sonormuseum
    @Sonormuseum 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I worked at a Datsun-Mercedes dealership in '78 and '79. IMHO, since I got to drive the last of the 1st Gen Z's and 1st 2nd gen one, the '78 felt much better, crisper, livelier. More fun to drive. The '79 was a pig by comparison. Bloated, sloppy and slower. I didn't care for the styling "upgrade" either.

  • @tthams73
    @tthams73 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’ll still take the 240z.

  • @midas7394
    @midas7394 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Suspension wise, the 280 zx drove like it was rails until you pushed it beyond the limit around a corner, then the car's rear would brake away, almost uncontrollably ...... that was very scary because you had total control until the back literally lost traction in an instant.
    Those were exciting but scary memories ....ha-ha

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Nope. The 280ZX had great aerodynamic AND the real end was a delight for handling. It had the same semi-trailing arm setup as a 911 and anyone who could drive fast can drive fast with one. It only tripped up those who did not understand suspensions and driving fast.

  • @willyhwang1059
    @willyhwang1059 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    absolutely not!
    I love them.
    owned 2

  • @filthyfrankblack4067
    @filthyfrankblack4067 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The s130 was the start of infiniti and was the lightest ZX out of the 3.

  • @joseph.higgins
    @joseph.higgins 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I used to wish I could trade my 280zx for a 240z but I have come to love it and realize that it's amazing in its own right!

  • @switchtr3
    @switchtr3 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    No it was actually the best. Took all of the aerodynamic challenges from the first gen off the table and was improved in every way, while attempting to keep the car looking as close to the original as possible. They caved to "modern" markets and tried to make it more luxurious which made it heavier, but a stripped out model will outperform most other comparable models in almost every way. I have intimately spent time working on and every Z model from the original series 1 240z up through the 350z (never bothered going newer) and there's a reason I have personally owned 3 different S130s and still own one to this day. Far from stock, but still the perfect Z car IMO...

  • @gregorybathurst7171
    @gregorybathurst7171 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nissan 240 z was the best
    But a little unknown Nissan was 240 k a mate owned one and did a Little work on it with triple delordo carbs it flew

    • @racketman2u
      @racketman2u 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'll bet it did! The Datsun 240K was the export name for the Nissan C110 Skyline, basically a 240Z in disguise.

  • @zekelucente9702
    @zekelucente9702 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You can’t find a 240Z and that’s because it was the first and the best for a number of reasons.

  • @brookhagen6188
    @brookhagen6188 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My ‘79 2+2 was underwhelming. 120 HP. Regretted the purchase

  • @Mmmyess
    @Mmmyess 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Really different articulation.

  • @pablo777rt9
    @pablo777rt9 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    All I heard during the video was "The 280zx was a spectacular car, people just didn't know how to accept it"

  • @franklynpertuz7669
    @franklynpertuz7669 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It's a great car you didn't have to sell your house for it now in these days these cars cost a fortune Aldi sports cars cost a lot of money

  • @keithprinn720
    @keithprinn720 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    if handling is the key factor? too much weight and sloppy build requirements

  • @blackericdenice
    @blackericdenice ปีที่แล้ว +2

    7:02 It was the same engine as the 280z but it made 35 hp less because of a weaker cam.

    • @WI280ZXT
      @WI280ZXT 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Nope, went from gross hp to net hp for the zx.

    • @blackericdenice
      @blackericdenice 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      There is no way you could drive a 280z and a 280zx and say they have the same cam.@@WI280ZXT

  • @kennethobrien6537
    @kennethobrien6537 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Yes. Have you ever been arrested in one?

  • @jayrogers8255
    @jayrogers8255 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I thought people hated the Z31s the most, no?

  • @mossibility
    @mossibility 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The 240 Z was the best Z car, it was carbureted, the 260 Z was the worst, it also was carbureted by the worst possible carburetion scheme. The 280 was fuel injected & performed much better. After the 280 Z is when the body style changed.

  • @chuckwhitson654
    @chuckwhitson654 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Yes. I love the 240s 260s 300s and 350/370 but the later 280zx was trash

  • @crawdaddy6969
    @crawdaddy6969 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A great car.

  • @flavoredwaters
    @flavoredwaters 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Anyone who says the 280zx is the worst z is crazy

    • @chrismc410
      @chrismc410 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Or any Z really. I liked the Z31(1984-1989 300ZX) best of all of the Z series. Mom loves her 1983 280ZX. Both my sister and myself learned to drive with it. She still drives it to this day. She has a dark blue 1978 280Z too. Her baby is the 1983 though.
      Dad likes his 2013 Challenger.
      This video has my baby though a older year: in my case 1983 DeLorean. Other than my sister, my mom is the only one I'd let drive it other than me. My late lady wanted to but didn't know how to drive a stick.
      My dad tended to destroy clutches to the point my mom wouldn't let him drive her car anymore just before their divorce 20+ years ago.
      I bought my DeLorean in March 2003 for just over $23K, $40K in today's money. This past March, marks 21 years of owning it and been an honor to.

  • @kurtdobson
    @kurtdobson ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought a 78 280z new and added an aftermarket turbo kit. I then bought a 1981 280zx turbo for my girlfriend; what a disappointment. It was no longer a sports car. Bug, heavy, underpowered, and the the rear suspension would squat on acceleration. In 1990 i bought a new 300z twin turbo. Awesome car. Totally reliable a pretty fast stock...

    • @williamandrews1683
      @williamandrews1683 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      This is exactly why anyone that started in an S30 isn't fond of the s130. My 84 turbo 5 speed was referred to by all my friends as the squat-o-matic. It wasn't that fast and didn't handle very well. My Z32TT was incredible!!!

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@williamandrews1683 I still own an S30 and a 79 280ZX. The ZX is vastly better in every way than the S30. The S30 was SLOWER that the 280ZX. The ZX had more HP and lower drag. As far as handling the ZX is just as good (assuming you know how to actually drive fast).

  • @Chris.Davies
    @Chris.Davies 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've driven one, and I thought it was quite inferior to a simple little 1979 RX-7 Savannah 12A, which I had at the time.
    Heavy. Lumpen. Slow. Large. Boring.
    No, thank you!

  • @joseaugusto-vd9vg
    @joseaugusto-vd9vg 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The best 280zxt ONLY sale in europe it 200hp 👍

  • @stringer-ik1pc
    @stringer-ik1pc 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Basically the z cars were a rip off of British sports cars. The Mgb gt ,and the triumph stag. The e type too.

  • @AnthonyTolhurst-dw1nc
    @AnthonyTolhurst-dw1nc 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Perfect boulevard cruiser. Not really a sports car.

  • @DimebagDarrenLowe
    @DimebagDarrenLowe 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i would EQ the hell out of this, esp sub sonic filter. sounds like garbage for no reason

  • @richarddobreny6664
    @richarddobreny6664 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It’s wha they replaced the ZX with in 1984 was esthetically horrible.

  • @hartsickdisciple
    @hartsickdisciple หลายเดือนก่อน

    The worst Z car is still an all-time great.

  • @omercarrothers7537
    @omercarrothers7537 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    No. It’s the 260z, the factory carbs were awful.

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You ever owned one or are you just parroting the ole lies?

    • @omercarrothers7537
      @omercarrothers7537 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@williamwilson2696 I had a 280zx in the Nineties. A friend of my dad’s had a 260, the Hitachi carbs were always giving him trouble.

  • @rustyellis3702
    @rustyellis3702 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Way better than a corvette

  • @joshuasutton4043
    @joshuasutton4043 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    No was a fast car for the time

  • @ballsdeep6912
    @ballsdeep6912 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I might get hate for this, but I think the 350Z is the worst Z. It’s just ugly. You can change performance of any car, but you can’t change its shape

  • @williammaples3783
    @williammaples3783 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The ZX absolute shit. Not worth the effort
    The240,280 Z decent road cars the ZX don’t even think of wasting my time

  • @2012listo
    @2012listo 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Work on your pronunciation. You are a bit mush-mouthed. Look how far that Dark dude has come!

  • @gav240z
    @gav240z ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is it the worst Zcar? Yes probably.. the Z31 is a close competitor.

    • @toe-b203
      @toe-b203 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It's racing history says otherwise...

    • @alextepozteco3681
      @alextepozteco3681 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Then why did the s30 owners always remove the entire front and rear suspension and drivetrain and install it onto their s30's

    • @Archetype_Datsun
      @Archetype_Datsun ปีที่แล้ว +10

      If you never owned or driven one for good amount of time. S30 owners always throw the 280zx under the bus but will lowkey take parts of them to improve their S30s 🙃

  • @patricklopes-vtec
    @patricklopes-vtec 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well... instead of complaining like many little "keyboard Enzos" who think they know about cars, I'd like to try a Fairlady 280-ZX to smash the criticisms again. Even though I'm here in Brazil, I really think this would've been the perfect cheap and reliable sports car according to our economy, even at that time. Between a bunch of reliable and cooked Corvettes or refined and burnt Porsches, the Fairlady would've suited me best. True JDM is always efficiency over reliability and refinement.

  • @GarryGaz24
    @GarryGaz24 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    S30:Chooses to eat healthy
    S130: GIMMMIEE BURGER!!!

  • @lqr824
    @lqr824 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I can't remember watching a worse video. You never mention what the chassis codes mean, for instance that one is 2-seat and one is 4-seat. At 7:04 you say "market-exclusive 280Z" which doesn't even make sense. Maybe you meant, "Japanese market exclusive"? At 5:55 you say "Cars destined for the US were equipped with... shock absorbers." Guess what, all cars have shock absorbers. Name one since, say, 1950 without. You might as well brag that it had a steering wheel. You say it was "outstanding in its class" without mentioning what that class was or what other cars were in that class. There were over a half-dozen other points where your script literally is factually incorrect or ungrammatical and meaningless. Video is quite often of other cars than the ones you're talking about. Really, just astonishing waste of time.

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That, and he never mentions that the 79zx (like the one I bought new in 79 and still have) finally got real aerodynamics and thus was faster and more stable whilst driving than any previous Z. Huge improvement. That, and it was what I would call a "real car" as far as a daily driver sports car.

  • @scottmurray4689
    @scottmurray4689 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    AI voice sucks

  • @toyotanerd2269
    @toyotanerd2269 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Nope the 350z is the worst

    • @GarryGaz24
      @GarryGaz24 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      God damn right. They are the ugliest looking Z car to exist they barely even look like one but look more like a shorter altima

  • @Joe-ys1jk
    @Joe-ys1jk 29 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The 280zx is weak,heavier,and has uglier bumpers

  • @WilliamBadmf
    @WilliamBadmf 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Yes. It’s a piece of garbage
    Truthfully

    • @williamwilson2696
      @williamwilson2696 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      OK, you never owned an S30 or an S130. Truthfully.

    • @WilliamBadmf
      @WilliamBadmf 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@williamwilson2696 I owned a 1977 when I was 22. Now I own A solid red 110 1975 280Z. I’m working on it to make it better than new.