Japan vs Japan — 1974 vs 1968
| 260Z 2+2 | Bluebird 510 SSS Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 162 hp | 109 hp |
| Torque | 160 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,565 cc | 1,595 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 sec | 10.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 109 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 17.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,557 lbs | 1,995 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,605 mm | 2,420 mm |
| Length | 4,425 mm | 4,090 mm |
| Units Produced | 166,461 | 290,000 |
| Original MSRP | $5,499 | $2,200 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2 brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1968 Datsun Bluebird 510 SSS Coupe answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Datsun has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2 with the 1968 Datsun Bluebird 510 SSS Coupe highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 162 hp compared to 109 hp, a 53-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Datsun 260Z uses a Inline-6 SOHC displacing 2,565 cc, while the Datsun Bluebird 510 relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 1,595 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2 edges ahead at 9.2 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. The Datsun Bluebird 510 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 562 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.