Japan vs Japan — 1969 vs 2023
| Fairlady Z 240Z (S30) | Fairlady Z RZ34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 151 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,393 cc | 2,997 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 4.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.9 sec | 12.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,352 lbs | 3,386 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,305 mm | 2,550 mm |
| Length | 4,115 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 546,072 | — |
| Original MSRP | $3,526 | $42,970 |
| Value (Excellent) | $100,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Nissan Fairlady Z 240Z (S30) brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2023 Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Nissan Fairlady Z. The 1969 and 2023 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2023 Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 400 hp compared to 151 hp, a 249-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Nissan Fairlady Z uses a Inline-6 SOHC (L24) displacing 2,393 cc, while the Nissan Fairlady Z relies on a V6 DOHC Twin Turbo (VR30DDTT) with 2,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2023 Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 edges ahead at 4.0 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. The Nissan Fairlady Z carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1034 lbs lighter. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1969 Nissan Fairlady Z 240Z (S30) rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.