Japan vs Japan — 1979 vs 1979
| 280ZX Turbo | 280ZX Turbo (S130) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft | 190 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,753 cc | 2,753 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.4 sec | 7.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.6 sec | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,888 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Length | 4,525 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Units Produced | 446,392 | — |
| Original MSRP | $13,999 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo brings stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo (S130) answers with quicker acceleration. 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 Datsun 280ZX. The 1979 and 1979 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo producing 180 hp and the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo (S130) delivering 180 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Datsun 280ZX uses a Inline-6 SOHC Turbocharged displacing 2,753 cc, while the Datsun 280ZX relies on a Inline-6 SOHC 12V Turbocharged with 2,753 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo (S130) edges ahead at 7.4 seconds versus 7.4 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.