| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1980 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi (HLB310), produced from 1979 to 1983, is a classic Japanese station wagon that combines practicality with compact design. Introduced as a versatile family vehicle, the 140 Y Combi offered ample cargo space and comfortable seating, fitting perfectly into the compact station wagon segment of its era. This generation of the Datsun 140 Y series is recognized for its robust build quality and efficient use of space, characterized by its moderate exterior dimensions ideal for urban driving and parking convenience. Although specific dimensional data for length, width, and height vary slightly depending on markets, the Datsun 140 Y Combi generally measures around 4.1 meters (approximately 13.5 feet) in length, with a width near 1.5 meters (about 4.9 feet), providing balanced proportions for maneuverability and interior volume. The station wagon configuration allows for extended rear cargo capacity compared to sedan versions, catering effectively to families and users requiring storage flexibility. Its production during the late 1970s and early 1980s marks it as part of Nissan's effort to offer practical, reliable vehicles designed for everyday use. The Datsun 140 Y Combi remains a noteworthy example of vintage station wagons, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the automotive design and utility considerations of its time.
Discover the standout features that make the 1980 Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi a leader in its class
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The Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi (HLB310), produced from 1979 to 1983, is a compact station wagon that features a length of approximately 4,030 mm (158.7 inches), a width of around 1,600 mm (63.0 inches), and a height close to 1,375 mm (54.1 inches). These dimensions make it a relatively small and practical wagon for urban and suburban use. Its compact size contributes to easier maneuverability and parking in tight spaces, while still providing ample cargo and passenger room within the interior.
The curb weight of the Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi (HLB310) is approximately 900 kg (1,984 lbs). This relatively light weight helps enhance fuel efficiency and agility on the road. The lighter mass contributes to responsive handling characteristics and easier driving, especially in urban environments. However, as a station wagon built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it doesn't incorporate modern safety technology and structural reinforcements seen in contemporary vehicles.
The Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi offers practical cargo space typical for a compact station wagon of its era. While exact figures vary by configuration, the rear cargo area provides a versatile loading space enhanced by foldable rear seats that expand the available volume. This flexibility allows users to carry sizeable luggage or goods, making it suitable for families or small businesses requiring a balance of passenger and storage capacity.
Yes, the Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi (HLB310) fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. With a length of about 4,030 mm (158.7 inches) and a width of 1,600 mm (63.0 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars, including SUVs and larger station wagons. Typical single-car garages measure approximately 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) or longer in length and about 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wide, so the Datsun easily fits, leaving enough space to open doors and move around the vehicle.
With a width of approximately 1,600 mm (63.0 inches), the Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi is relatively narrow compared to many station wagons of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which often exceeded 1,700 mm (66.9 inches). This narrower width contributed to easier city driving and parking, especially in tight urban European and Asian streets where this model was commonly driven. Its compact approach favored maneuverability and practicality over broader cabin space.
The Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi stands about 1,375 mm (54.1 inches) tall. This relatively low height contributes to better aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving fuel economy for a car of its class and era. Additionally, the lower roofline keeps the vehicle's center of gravity down, enhancing stability during cornering. From an interior comfort perspective, while it might limit headroom slightly compared to taller wagons or SUVs, the height is sufficient for average passengers and maintains a sleek profile.
Compared to its predecessor, the Nissan Datsun 120 Y Combi, the 140 Y Combi (HLB310) offered a slight increase in length and overall refinement in design. The 140 Y Combi's dimensions are very similar, maintaining the compact form factor but improving cargo space and passenger comfort through interior layout upgrades. The subtle changes in width and height maintained the vehicle's maneuverability while slightly enhancing practicality compared to the previous generation, offering a balanced evolution rather than a radical redesign.
The Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi (HLB310) competes well among compact station wagons of its time, such as the Toyota Corolla Wagon and Volkswagen Passat Variant from the early 1980s. It offers competitive exterior dimensions, practical cargo space, and a reputation for reliability. While not the most powerful or luxurious, the Datsun prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability. Its compact size made it more maneuverable compared to some bulkier European wagons, appealing to drivers seeking versatile economy combined with respectable build quality.
The Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi was designed as a practical and economical compact station wagon. It primarily came powered by a 1.4-liter inline-four engine, delivering modest power suitable for daily driving and light cargo loads. The station wagon design emphasized cargo space with a rear hatch and fold-down rear seats. Its styling featured clean, boxy lines typical of late 1970s Japanese cars, providing functional aesthetics without extravagant embellishments. Emphasis was on reliability, ease of maintenance, and user-friendly driving.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Nissan Datsun 140 Y Combi offers reasonable passenger comfort for up to five occupants. The interior space is effectively utilized, with adequate headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers considering the car's modest height of 1,375 mm (54.1 inches) and width of 1,600 mm (63.0 inches). However, taller passengers in the rear may find headroom slightly restricted due to the lower roofline typical of station wagons from this era. Overall, it balances space efficiency and practicality well within a compact footprint.
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