| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1974 |
| Production Years: | 1974 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The Nissan Datsun 120, produced from 1974 to 1980, is a compact sedan that exemplifies the practical and efficient design ethos of Japanese automakers in the 1970s. Often celebrated for its reliability and modest dimensions, this generation of the Datsun 120 catered to drivers looking for a manageable urban vehicle with good fuel economy and sufficient interior space for a small family. The sedan variant of the Datsun 120 is characterized by its balanced proportions, a length that comfortably fits within the compact segment, and a width and height that provide adequate passenger comfort without excessive bulk. Typically, vehicles of this era and class have a length around 3.9 to 4.2 meters (approximately 153 to 165 inches) and a width near 1.5 to 1.6 meters (about 59 to 63 inches), though exact figures for the Datsun 120 can vary slightly depending on specific configurations. Weighing in at roughly 900 to 1000 kilograms (1984 to 2205 pounds), the Datsun 120 remained lightweight, contributing to its nimble handling and economical performance. The sedan body style offered a practical four-door layout, making it a convenient choice for daily commuting and small families. The Datsun 120's design was straightforward, focusing on function over flair, which has led to its lasting appreciation among classic car enthusiasts and collectors. Overall, the Nissan Datsun 120 sedan stands as a representative example of compact sedans from the mid-1970s, blending size efficiency, reliability, and simplicity in a package that remains noteworthy in the history of Nissan and Datsun vehicles.
Discover the standout features that make the 1974 Nissan Datsun 120 a leader in its class
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The Nissan Datsun 120, produced between 1974 and 1980, features compact dimensions suitable for a sedan of its era. Its length is approximately 3,995 mm (157.3 inches), width measures around 1,480 mm (58.3 inches), and height stands at about 1,385 mm (54.5 inches). These dimensions made the Datsun 120 a manageable and practical vehicle for urban driving and parking, providing enough cabin space without being bulky. Overall, its size helped establish it as a popular choice for buyers seeking an efficient and easy-to-maneuver sedan during the mid to late 1970s.
The interior cabin of the Nissan Datsun 120 is designed to comfortably seat four to five passengers, focusing on efficient use of its compact exterior size. While exact interior dimensions are less documented, the vehicle provides a reasonable amount of headroom and legroom typical for subcompact sedans of the 1970s. Front occupants enjoy adequate space with straightforward cabin ergonomics, while rear passengers have enough room for short to medium trips, though taller adults might find rear legroom limited. The compact size also contributes to a cozy but functional environment, suitable for daily commutes and city driving.
The curb weight of the Nissan Datsun 120 from the 1974-1980 production period is approximately 855 kg (1,885 lbs). This relatively light curb weight plays a crucial role in its fuel efficiency and agility. Lighter vehicle weight allows the 120 to achieve better fuel economy compared to heavier sedans, as the engine exerts less effort to move the car. During its production era, the Datsun 120 was known for being economical, reliable, and easy to maintain, making it popular among budget-conscious drivers who valued both affordability and efficiency.
The Nissan Datsun 120 sedan typically came equipped with a fuel tank capacity of around 40 liters (approximately 10.6 US gallons). Coupled with its efficient engine and lightweight design, this capacity allowed a driving range of roughly 600 to 720 kilometers (370 to 447 miles) under standard driving conditions. This range was quite practical for the time, making the vehicle suitable for both city commutes and moderate longer trips. Fuel economy ranged from about 7 to 8 liters per 100 kilometers (29 to 34 miles per gallon), depending on driving style and conditions.
Yes, the Nissan Datsun 120's width of approximately 1,480 mm (58.3 inches) allows for comfortably seating two adults in the front bucket seats. This width was typical for compact sedans in the 1970s, providing adequate shoulder room without excess bulk. The front seating arrangement was designed to maximize space and ergonomics within the smaller cabin, making it suitable for daily driving. While not as spacious as modern midsize sedans, the Datsun 120 offers a balanced amount of comfort and practicality for front passengers.
The Nissan Datsun 120 comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. With its length of roughly 3,995 mm (157.3 inches or about 13 feet), width of 1,480 mm (58.3 inches or about 4.8 feet), and height of 1,385 mm (54.5 inches or about 4.5 feet), it is smaller than most modern vehicles and well within typical garage dimensions. Drivers should find parking and maneuvering this car manageable due to its compact size and relatively small turning radius. It also allows for easier parking in tighter urban environments compared to many larger sedans that came after its era.
Compared to its predecessor, the Datsun 100/120 series from the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Nissan Datsun 120 introduced in 1974 featured a slightly longer and more modern design. The length increased marginally to approximately 3,995 mm (157.3 inches), offering better cabin space, while keeping exterior width and height compact. This evolution allowed the car to maintain its lightweight and efficient profile while improving practicality and passenger comfort. Overall, the Datsun 120 presented an incremental size increase without departing from the hatchback and sedan-style versatility that defined the prior generation.
Within the subcompact sedan market of the mid-1970s, the Nissan Datsun 120 was competitive in terms of size and practicality. Its length of 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) and width of 1,480 mm (58.3 inches) positioned it similarly to contemporaries such as the Toyota Corolla E30/E40 or the Honda Civic first generation. These competitors shared a focus on compact exterior dimensions for urban driving combined with efficient fuel usage. The Datsun 120 was slightly narrower in comparison to some rivals but offset this with solid reliability and a lightweight design. Overall, it balanced size and maneuverability effectively among peers.
The Nissan Datsun 120 from 1974 to 1980 is renowned for its robust reliability and solid performance within the subcompact category. Equipped with a modestly powered inline-4 engine, this sedan prioritized efficiency over outright speed, making it ideal for daily urban and suburban driving. Its lightweight chassis, combined with simple mechanical components, contributed to easy maintenance and longevity, attributes highly prized by owners of the era. While not a sports car, it offered steady acceleration and dependable handling, securing a reputation as a practical and economical sedan that could reliably meet everyday transportation needs.
The Nissan Datsun 120 sedan came with a reasonably sized trunk for the subcompact segment, typically around 340 liters (approximately 12 cubic feet) in volume. This cargo space was sufficient for everyday use such as grocery shopping, small luggage, or tools, making it convenient for most typical passenger car needs of the time. The trunk design emphasized practical usability, allowing easy loading and unloading through a wide opening. While not spacious enough for large cargo or multiple large suitcases, the trunk's size and shape made the Datsun 120 a versatile small family or commuter vehicle.
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