Japan vs Japan — 1979 vs 1970
| 280ZX Turbo | Sunny Truck B110 1200 GX | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 83 hp |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft | 72 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,753 cc | 1,171 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.4 sec | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 103 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.6 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,888 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | 2,300 mm |
| Length | 4,525 mm | 3,955 mm |
| Units Produced | 446,392 | — |
| Original MSRP | $13,999 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 8/10 |
On balance, the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1970 Datsun Sunny Truck B110 1200 GX counters with its own distinct appeal, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo for outright capability, or the 1970 Datsun Sunny Truck B110 1200 GX for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Datsun has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo with the 1970 Datsun Sunny Truck B110 1200 GX highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo holds a clear advantage in raw power with 180 hp compared to 83 hp, a 97-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Datsun 280ZX uses a Inline-6 SOHC Turbocharged displacing 2,753 cc, while the Datsun Sunny Truck relies on a Inline-4 OHV 8V with 1,171 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo edges ahead at 7.4 seconds versus 12.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.