| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1970 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1978 discontinued in 1978 |
The Nissan Cherry (E10) is a compact sedan produced from 1970 to 1978, marking Nissan's early foray into the subcompact car segment. Designed primarily as an economical and practical vehicle, the E10 generation Cherry became notable for its compact dimensions and efficient use of space. Its small footprint made it an ideal choice for urban driving and city dwellers, offering ease of parking and maneuverability.
Although exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on the specific trim and market, the Nissan Cherry E10 typically measured approximately 3,785 mm (149 inches) in length, 1,525 mm (60 inches) in width, and around 1,370 mm (54 inches) in height. This compact size resulted in a lightweight body, contributing to better fuel efficiency compared to larger sedans of its era. The drivetrain layout was front-engine, front-wheel drive, which was somewhat innovative for the period, enhancing interior space and handling.
The E10 Cherry’s design emphasized simplicity and practicality, with a straightforward sedan body style that comfortably accommodated four passengers. The interior was modest but functional, aligning with its role as an affordable and reliable transportation option. During its production run, the Cherry competed against other compact cars but stood out with Nissan’s engineering approach and its use of a transverse engine layout.
Overall, the Nissan Cherry (E10) is a significant classic compact sedan from the 1970s, representing Nissan’s commitment to producing efficient, versatile vehicles during a transformative era in automotive history. Its compact size and lightweight construction remain points of interest for car enthusiasts and those comparing classic car dimensions today.
Discover the standout features that make the 1970 Nissan Cherry a leader in its class
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The Nissan Cherry (E10), produced from 1970 to 1978, measures approximately 3,790 mm (149.2 inches) in length and around 1,545 mm (60.8 inches) in width. These compact dimensions made the E10 a practical choice for urban driving and parking during its era. Despite its modest size, the car was designed to offer efficient use of interior space relative to its exterior footprint.
The Nissan Cherry (E10) sedan stands about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) tall. Its ground clearance was approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches), which provided a balance between a low center of gravity for better handling and sufficient clearance to manage typical road conditions in city and suburban environments.
Compared to other compact sedans from the 1970s, the Nissan Cherry (E10) was fairly typical in size. Its length of about 3.79 meters (149.2 inches) and width of 1.55 meters (60.8 inches) positioned it squarely within the compact segment, similar to rivals like the Toyota Corolla E20 and Datsun 510, both well regarded for their efficient size and usability in congested urban settings.
Yes, the Nissan Cherry (E10) comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Typical garage spaces range from 2.4 to 3 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) in width and at least 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length, so with the Cherry's length of 3.79 meters (149.2 inches) and width of approximately 1.55 meters (60.8 inches), parking it inside a conventional garage is straightforward without resizing or special accommodations.
The curb weight of the Nissan Cherry (E10) varies depending on specific trim and market, but it generally weighed around 840 kg (1,852 lbs). This relatively lightweight construction contributed to the car's fuel efficiency and nimble handling characteristics, making it an economical urban commuter vehicle during the decade.
The Nissan Cherry (E10) sedan was designed to accommodate up to five passengers with seating for two in the front and a three-passenger bench seat in the rear. While exact interior dimensions aren't widely documented, the compact exterior meant a cozy passenger area but adequate for small families or individuals, typical for subcompact cars of the 1970s.
The Nissan Cherry (E10) was Nissan's first front-wheel-drive subcompact model introduced in 1970, effectively marking a new line rather than a direct replacement. However, compared to earlier subcompact or small cars Nissan offered, the E10 was more modern with a slightly larger footprint than some older models, reflecting improvements in safety, interior space, and European-inspired compact design.
The Nissan Cherry (E10)’s sedan configuration offered a modestly sized trunk, typical for compact sedans of its time. While exact cargo volume figures are scarce, it was sufficient for everyday shopping and small luggage needs. Its compact external dimensions did limit overall trunk space compared to larger sedans, but the rear seatbacks could be folded or removed in some configurations to expand cargo capacity.
The Nissan Cherry (E10) was closely competitive with models like the Toyota Corolla E20 from the same era. Both cars had similar lengths around 3.8 to 4.0 meters (149 to 158 inches) and focused on compact, efficient urban transport. The Cherry’s lightweight design and front-wheel-drive layout gave it slightly improved handling and interior space utilization compared to the Corolla’s rear-wheel-drive setup, which appealed to a niche of buyers prioritizing modern engineering.
The Nissan Cherry (E10) came with a range of small-displacement inline-four engines, including 1.2L and 1.4L options, designed to balance economy and practicality. Output ranged from roughly 56 to 85 horsepower depending on engine and market, delivering modest but reliable performance suitable for urban commuting and light highway use. The front-wheel-drive layout enhanced handling and traction, setting it apart from many contemporaries.
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