2002 Nissan Fairlady Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:2002
Production Years:2002 - 2004 discontinued in 2004
Useful Information

About 2002 Nissan Fairlady

The 2002-2004 Nissan Fairlady coupe represents a distinctive chapter in Nissan's sports car heritage, blending classic design cues with modern performance elements. Produced exclusively from 2002 to 2004, this iteration of the Fairlady was tailored for enthusiasts seeking a spirited driving experience in a sleek coupe form. Known in some markets as the Nissan 350Z's predecessor in spirit, the Fairlady of this generation combines a compact yet aggressive stance with efficient packaging.

Typically configured as a two-door coupe, the Fairlady emphasizes sporty aesthetics and driver-focused engineering. Although exact dimensions vary slightly depending on trim and specifications, the Nissan Fairlady coupe measures approximately 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) in length, 1,750 mm (68.9 inches) in width, and 1,310 mm (51.6 inches) in height. These dimensions offer a balanced blend of agility and road presence, making it nimble for urban driving while maintaining a low center of gravity for precise handling.

Weight estimates for this generation generally fall in the range of 1,300 to 1,400 kilograms (2,866 to 3,086 pounds), underscoring its lightweight design ethos intended to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The Fairlady's coupe body style enhances aerodynamics and provides a sporty cabin environment, typically seating two passengers comfortably with sports-oriented interior features.

The 2002-2004 Nissan Fairlady stands as an appealing choice for sports car enthusiasts who appreciate classic Japanese coupe styling combined with reliable engineering. Its compact size, balanced proportions, and performance-oriented design make it a notable option in early-2000s sports cars. Whether comparing it to similar models or exploring its heritage, the Nissan Fairlady coupe remains an iconic symbol of Nissan's commitment to delivering engaging driving dynamics within a stylish and compact footprint.

Exceptional Features

2002 Nissan Fairlady Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 2002 Nissan Fairlady a leader in its class

Engine Performance

Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (VQ35DE) producing around 280 horsepower, offering strong acceleration and sporty driving dynamics.

Transmission Options

Available with a 6-speed manual transmission for a more engaging drive or a 5-speed automatic transmission for convenience.

Rear-Wheel Drive Layout

Utilizes a rear-wheel-drive platform which enhances handling and driving enjoyment, typical of sports cars.

Chassis and Suspension

Features a well-tuned independent multi-link suspension front and rear, providing sharp handling and good road feedback.

Interior and Comfort

Designed as a two-seater sports coupe with a driver-focused cockpit, including supportive seats and modern amenities for its time.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The Nissan Fairlady coupe produced between 2002 and 2004 measures approximately 4,245 mm (167.1 inches) in length, 1,735 mm (68.3 inches) in width, and 1,280 mm (50.4 inches) in height. These dimensions place the Fairlady in the compact sports coupe category, offering a sleek and agile profile that is both stylish and functional. The relatively low height contributes to aerodynamic efficiency and a sporty driving stance, while the moderate width ensures good road presence without compromising maneuverability in urban environments.

The 2002-2004 Nissan Fairlady coupe is primarily designed as a two-seater sports car, focusing on driver and passenger engagement rather than spaciousness. Interior cabin dimensions emphasize ergonomics and driving controls within a compact footprint. While rear seating is either minimal or not provided, the front seats offer adequate headroom and legroom for most adults, typical of a sports coupe. Storage space is limited, with a small trunk that adequately fits light luggage or daily essentials. The interior focus is on creating a close-to-the-road driving experience with comfort suited for short to medium drives.

Yes, the Nissan Fairlady coupe from 2002-2004 fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. Given its length of approximately 4,245 mm (167.1 inches) and width of 1,735 mm (68.3 inches), it fits well within the average garage's typical dimensions of about 6 meters in length and 3 meters in width (roughly 20 feet by 10 feet). The compact footprint makes it easy to park and maneuver inside most residential garages, leaving ample space for opening doors and additional storage.

The curb weight of the Nissan Fairlady (Z33 generation) produced from 2002 to 2004 is approximately 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs). This weight is relatively light for a modern sports coupe, which positively influences handling, agility, and overall driving dynamics. A lighter weight contributes to nimble cornering, quick acceleration, and responsive braking. The Fairlady's weight distribution and chassis tuning complement this curb weight to deliver a driver-focused experience, characteristic of classic Japanese sports cars.

With a width of approximately 1,735 mm (68.3 inches), the Nissan Fairlady coupe is relatively narrow compared to some contemporaries such as the Toyota Supra or Mazda RX-7 from the same era. This narrower stance enhances the Fairlady's agility and makes it easier to navigate tight roads and parking spaces. While some competitors embraced wider bodies for aggressive styling and added stability, the Fairlady’s dimensions strike a balance between sporty handling and practical usability in urban settings.

The Nissan Fairlady coupe (Z33) features a wheelbase of approximately 2,550 mm (100.4 inches). A moderate wheelbase length plays a pivotal role in balancing ride comfort and driving stability. This length provides a stable platform during high-speed cornering and contributes to a smooth ride over uneven surfaces by absorbing minor road irregularities. For a sports coupe, this wheelbase supports agile handling without making the ride overly stiff or uncomfortable for daily driving.

The 2002-2004 Nissan Fairlady (Z33 generation) marked a notable evolution over its predecessor, the Z32 Fairlady (300ZX). Dimensionally, the Z33 is slightly shorter but wider and lower, measuring around 4,245 mm in length compared to the earlier model’s approximately 4,455 mm. The width of the Z33 at 1,735 mm exceeds that of the Z32, enhancing road presence and cornering grip. Performance-wise, the Z33 introduced more modern V6 engines with advanced technologies, improved chassis rigidity, and refined aerodynamics, resulting in sharper handling and improved acceleration. This generation focused more on a balanced sports car experience with daily usability.

Compared to its early 2000s Japanese sports car rivals like the Toyota Supra Mk4 (A80) and Mazda RX-7 (FD3S), the Nissan Fairlady coupe (Z33) exhibits a more compact and refined stature. It is generally shorter in length than the Supra, which is around 4,560 mm (179.5 inches), and similar in width but lower in height than the RX-7, which features a more aggressive and lightweight design. While the Supra is known for its powerful inline-six turbo engine and the RX-7 is celebrated for its rotary powertrain and light weight, the Fairlady blends a naturally aspirated or turbo V6 with a balanced size and an elegant yet sporty design. Stylistically, the Fairlady's curvaceous, yet muscular lines emphasize a modern but classic sports coupe aesthetic that appeals to enthusiasts looking for daily usability paired with spirited driving.

The Nissan Fairlady coupe from 2002-2004 typically has a fuel tank capacity close to 70 liters (18.5 US gallons), enabling a decent driving range suitable for sport driving and occasional longer trips. Regarding trunk space, due to its sports coupe design optimized for performance and driver experience rather than cargo, the trunk capacity is limited—generally around 140 liters (4.9 cubic feet). This space is enough to accommodate small luggage or shopping bags but isn't designed for large cargo volumes, reflecting the car’s purpose as a two-seater sports vehicle.

The 2002-2004 Nissan Fairlady coupe comes equipped with standard safety features typical of sports cars from its era. These include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to enhance braking stability and control. The car’s chassis is engineered to absorb and dissipate impact energy effectively, helping to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Although it lacks some of the modern advanced safety technologies found in more recent models, it prioritizes driver engagement and control, which inherently supports safer handling. Some trims may also offer traction control systems (TCS) and stability control depending on the market.

You can also visit the official website of Nissan Logo Nissan