| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1977 |
| Production Years: | 1977 - 1981 discontinued in 1981 |
The Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) is a classic compact sedan produced between 1977 and 1981. This generation marked Nissan's focus on offering a practical and affordable four-door vehicle designed to appeal to everyday drivers seeking reliability and efficiency. The Datsun 180 B sedan featured a balanced and modest exterior size, which helped it navigate urban environments and tighter parking spaces with ease. Although exact dimensional data for the PL810 model is less commonly detailed, vehicles in this class and period typically measured around 4.3 meters (approximately 170 inches) in length, about 1.6 to 1.7 meters (63 to 67 inches) in width, and roughly 1.4 meters (55 inches) in height, giving it a compact footprint. The weight hovered near 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (2,200 to 2,425 pounds), contributing to fuel efficiency and nimble handling. Underneath its understated exterior, the Datsun 180 B was engineered with the reliable 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which balanced modest power output with respectable fuel economy – a valuable trait during an era influenced by rising fuel costs. The sedan's interior provided comfortable seating for five passengers with practical cabin space optimized for daily commuting and family use. Its dimensions and weight class positioned the Datsun 180 B competitively among rival compact sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s, emphasizing ease of use, affordability, and mechanical simplicity. As a vehicle, the Datsun 180 B (PL810) remains a notable example of Nissan's global strategy at the time, blending Japanese engineering with stylistic and functional cues suitable for international markets. Classic car enthusiasts and those interested in historical compact sedans will appreciate the Datsun 180 B's balanced size, dependable performance, and role in Nissan's evolution. Whether comparing car sizes from its era or understanding vintage compact sedan benchmarks, the Nissan Datsun 180 B offers valuable insight into automotive design and urban mobility of its time.
Discover the standout features that make the 1977 Nissan Datsun 180 B a leader in its class
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The Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) sedan, produced from 1977 to 1981, has an overall length of approximately 4,295 mm (169.1 inches), a width of around 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), and a height near 1,380 mm (54.3 inches). These measurements positioned the 180 B as a mid-sized sedan during its era, offering a balanced footprint that suited urban and suburban driving. The relatively compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver, park, and drive in crowded city streets while providing enough interior space for comfortable seating of four to five passengers. The car’s height contributes to its aerodynamic profile and stability on the road but is still low enough to fit within typical urban garages. Overall, the size is reflective of late-1970s sedans, combining practicality with a modest presence.
The curb weight of the Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) sedan typically ranges around 1,000 to 1,050 kg (2,205 to 2,315 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment installed. This relatively light weight for a mid-sized sedan contributes positively to both fuel efficiency and nimble handling. Being on the lighter side means the engine doesn't have to work as hard, which improved fuel economy compared to heavier vehicles of the same era. Additionally, the lighter mass enhances handling, allowing for more responsive steering and easier maneuverability, especially on narrow or twisty roads. However, it’s important to note that lighter vehicles can sometimes experience less traction and stability at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions compared to heavier cars. Overall, the 180 B’s weight was well balanced for its design goals.
The Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) was designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering a spacious interior for its segment. While exact official figures for legroom and headroom vary slightly by market, generally the front legroom measures close to 1,040 mm (40.9 inches), and rear legroom is approximately 870 mm (34.3 inches). Headroom for front passengers is around 980 mm (38.6 inches) and slightly less in the rear at about 955 mm (37.6 inches). This generous space allocation allows adults of average height to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, making the 180 B suitable for both city driving and longer journeys. The upright seating position and thoughtfully designed cabin layout help maximize usable space within the relatively compact exterior dimensions.
The trunk capacity of the Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) sedan is estimated to be around 400 to 430 liters (approximately 14.1 to 15.2 cubic feet), typical for sedans of its class and era. This trunk space allowed the vehicle to accommodate daily groceries, luggage for trips, or other general cargo with ease. The trunk opening was designed to allow convenient loading and unloading, making it practical for regular use. Although it was not designed as a cargo-hauling vehicle, the 180 B’s trunk volume was competitive compared to other mid-sized sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s, balancing passenger accommodation with sufficient storage space.
Yes, the Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of approximately 4,295 mm (169.1 inches or about 14 feet), a width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches or roughly 5.3 feet), and a height of 1,380 mm (54.3 inches or about 4.5 feet), its compact dimensions are well within the size limits of typical home garages built to accommodate mid-sized vehicles. Most standard garages have interior widths ranging from 2,400 to 3,000 mm (around 8 to 10 feet) and lengths of at least 5,000 mm (16.4 feet), providing ample room for the car and space around it for opening doors and access. This makes the Datsun 180 B highly practical for everyday urban use and parking.
The Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810), produced from 1977 to 1981, was an evolution of earlier Datsun models, notably succeeding the 160 B series. Compared to its predecessor, the 180 B was slightly larger in overall dimensions, reflecting the trend toward more spacious and comfortable sedans in the late 1970s. The PL810 featured a longer length, wider stance, and subtly increased height, contributing to improved interior passenger space and trunk capacity. These dimensional upgrades enhanced comfort and practicality without compromising maneuverability. Structurally, the newer generation also incorporated design and engineering improvements that optimized weight distribution and handling. While maintaining the recognizable Datsun styling cues, the 180 B’s increased size marked a step forward in Nissan’s mid-sized offerings.
When compared to other mid-sized sedans from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Toyota Corona, Mazda 626, and Ford Cortina, the Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) holds its own with competitive dimensions. Its length of approximately 4,295 mm (169.1 inches) situates it comfortably within the mid-sized segment, which generally ranged from 4,200 to 4,600 mm (165 to 181 inches) in length. The width of around 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) is slightly narrower than some Western competitors but comparable to other Japanese sedans of the period, maintaining ease of parking and maneuverability. Height and curb weight are similarly within typical ranges for the class. Overall, the 180 B balanced compact exterior dimensions with interior space efficiency, making it a practical choice against its contemporaries in terms of size and usability.
The Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) was equipped primarily with a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine, which delivered a reasonable blend of power and economy for its class. The SOHC carbureted engine typically produced around 100 horsepower, depending on the market and specific tuning. This modest power output supported adequate acceleration and cruising capabilities, especially suited for everyday commuting and moderate highway speeds. The car featured rear-wheel drive, providing a balanced driving dynamic appreciated by enthusiasts of the era. Transmission options generally included manual and automatic gearboxes, allowing buyers to choose based on preference. The overall engineering focus was on reliability and efficiency rather than outright performance.
The Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) sedan utilized a conventional suspension setup typical of late 1970s vehicles. The front suspension employed independent MacPherson struts with coil springs, while the rear had a solid axle with leaf springs, a durable and straightforward arrangement. This setup provided a good compromise between ride comfort, handling stability, and ride quality for its class and era. On the braking front, the car was equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes—a standard configuration that offered reliable stopping power under normal driving conditions. This balance contributed to the vehicle's predictable handling and ride comfort, supporting decent safety margins for daily driving scenarios.
The Nissan Datsun 180 B (PL810) was known for fuel efficiency relative to other mid-sized sedans during its production period. With its modest weight of approximately 1,000 to 1,050 kg (2,205 to 2,315 lbs) and relatively compact size, the 1.8-liter engine typically achieved fuel consumption figures in the range of 8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers (roughly 23 to 29 miles per gallon in the US) under mixed driving conditions. The vehicle's relatively lightweight and aerodynamic profile contributed positively to its efficiency. Additionally, carburetor tuning and engine design focused on balancing performance with economy, making it an economical choice despite the lack of modern fuel injection or emissions controls. These factors made the 180 B a practical option for drivers mindful of running costs.
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