1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) is approximately 1,030 kg (2,271 pounds). This relatively lightweight construction contributes positively to its fuel efficiency, acceleration, and overall agility. A lower curb weight means the engine doesn't have to work as hard to propel the vehicle, which can improve responsiveness and reduce fuel consumption. The modest weight also influences handling, making the car more nimble in city driving and easier to control on winding roads. However, lighter vehicles can sometimes feel less stable at high speeds or in adverse weather, so the Stanza’s suspension and chassis tuning balanced these factors effectively.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) sedan has a wheelbase of about 2,440 mm (96.1 inches). The wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels and is a crucial factor in ride comfort and interior space. A wheelbase of this length provides a decent balance between interior roominess and maneuverability. It helps improve the car’s stability on highways, ensuring smoother rides over bumps and contributing to better handling dynamics. This dimension allowed the Stanza to comfortably accommodate four to five passengers while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) sedan offers a trunk with approximately 350 liters (12.4 cubic feet) of cargo volume. This trunk size is fairly typical for compact sedans of its time, providing sufficient space for groceries, luggage, or other daily needs for a small family. While it might not match the larger trunks of midsize cars, it strikes a good balance between passenger space and cargo capacity, which contributes to its versatility. The simple rectangular shape of the trunk opening also facilitates easier loading and unloading compared to some competitors with more irregular shaped trunks.

Yes, the 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Standard garage dimensions in many countries typically are around 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and 2.7 meters (8.8 feet) in width, which more than accommodate the Stanza’s length of 4,405 mm (173.4 inches or about 14.5 feet) and width of 1,660 mm (65.4 inches or about 5.5 feet). Its height of approximately 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) is well below the typical garage door height clearance. With these dimensions, parking the Stanza inside a typical garage allows for safe storage and leaves additional space for opening doors or storing other items.

The interior of the 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) sedan is designed to comfortably seat four to five occupants, reflecting the typical compact sedan layout of the early 1980s. Thanks to the 2,440 mm (96.1 inches) wheelbase, the cabin offers sufficient legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers, providing a balance that favors driver comfort without sacrificing back seat usability. While compact by modern standards, the vehicle's cabin space was competitive at the time, featuring straightforward ergonomics and practical seating arrangements. The design aimed to provide a comfortable ride for everyday commuting and family use.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) marked a significant evolution from its predecessor, the 1970s Datsun 510-based Stanza models. Dimensionally, the T11 is slightly larger, particularly in length and width, which translates to more interior space and improved comfort for passengers. The new generation adopted more modern design elements with improved aerodynamics, which helped reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency. Features-wise, the T11 included updated suspensions and drivetrain options, offering a smoother and more refined ride. The refinement in size and technology made the 1981 Stanza more competitive in the compact sedan segment of its day.

Compared to similar compact sedans from other manufacturers in the early 1980s, such as the Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, and Honda Civic, the Nissan Stanza (T11) falls within a similar size range. Its length of about 4,405 mm (173.4 inches) places it toward the upper end of the compact class, offering slightly more interior and trunk space than some competitors. The width of 1,660 mm (65.4 inches) is moderate and aligns well with vehicles like the Toyota Corolla of that time. This made the Stanza appealing for buyers seeking more space without moving up to a midsize class, and its design favored comfortable daily use with adequate cargo capacity.

The 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) was offered with a range of four-cylinder engines, primarily focusing on fuel efficiency and reliability inherent to early 1980s Japanese compact cars. The engine lineup typically included 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engines. Transmission options featured both a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic, catering to different driver preferences. These engines balanced modest power output with economical fuel consumption, making the Stanza a practical choice for commuters and small families. The powertrains emphasized durability and ease of maintenance, factors that have helped many Stanzas remain operational decades later.

Drivers of the 1981 Nissan Stanza (T11) could expect fuel economy figures ranging from approximately 8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers (23.5 to 29.4 miles per gallon) depending on engine choice, transmission, and driving conditions. Performance-wise, the modest 1.8 to 2.0-liter inline-four engines delivered adequate power for typical city and highway driving of the era, with acceleration suited for everyday usage rather than sporty driving. The lightweight design aided efficiency and handling, making the car easy to maneuver while maintaining reasonable cruising speeds. Overall, the Stanza was valued for its balanced approach, combining economical operation with reliable performance.