| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Nissan Sunny (140Y, 150Y) generation, produced from 1970 to 1982, represents a pivotal era in Nissan's lineup of compact sedans. This generation of the Sunny was particularly popular due to its reliable mechanics, practical design, and efficient size, making it an ideal choice for urban and suburban drivers during that period. The 140Y and 150Y denote different facelifts or versions within this generation, both preserving the core attributes that made the Sunny a trusted vehicle in the compact segment. Typically sized to balance interior comfort with maneuverability, the Nissan Sunny (140Y, 150Y) featured a sedan layout optimized for practicality and ease of use. While exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on the sub-model and market, the overall length generally hovered around 4,000 mm (approximately 157 inches), width near 1,580 mm (62 inches), and height about 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). This size positioning allowed the Sunny to fit comfortably into the compact car class, providing ample cabin space without the bulkiness of larger sedans. The vehicle's curb weight was light by today's standards, improving its fuel efficiency and ease of handling. As a product of the 1970s and early 1980s, the Sunny (140Y, 150Y) incorporated design cues typical of the era, with clean, straightforward lines, a functional interior layout, and a focus on durability. Compact yet roomy, this generation of the Nissan Sunny was well-suited for daily commuting and small families, marking it as a classic example of early efficient Japanese automotive design.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Nissan Sunny a leader in its class
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The 1979 Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y generation sedan typically measures approximately 4,120 mm (162.2 inches) in length, 1,590 mm (62.6 inches) in width, and 1,385 mm (54.5 inches) in height. These dimensions reflect the compact size of the vehicle, making it suitable for urban driving and parking. Its modest size was designed to cater to the economy car market, emphasizing practicality and maneuverability while maintaining comfortable interior space for a compact sedan.
In comparison to other compact sedans from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y offers a competitive width of approximately 1,590 mm (62.6 inches) and a height of around 1,385 mm (54.5 inches). Many compact sedans of that time had similar widths ranging from 1,550 mm to 1,650 mm and heights between 1,350 mm to 1,450 mm. The Sunny's slightly narrower width improved maneuverability in tight urban spaces, while its height balanced interior headroom and aerodynamic design.
The curb weight of the 1979 Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y varies slightly depending on specific model and trim but typically ranges around 900 to 1,000 kg (approximately 1,984 to 2,205 lbs). This lightweight construction contributed to the car's fuel efficiency and agility. The relatively low weight made it an economical choice and easy to handle, especially in city driving conditions.
The wheelbase of the 1979 Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y is approximately 2,350 mm (92.5 inches). A longer wheelbase generally enhances ride comfort and stability by providing a smoother ride and better handling characteristics. For a compact sedan like the Sunny, 2,350 mm strikes a balance between maneuverability for urban environments and stability on highways, ensuring decent comfort for passengers over typical driving conditions.
Yes, the 1979 Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y sedan fits comfortably inside a standard garage. With its length of roughly 4,120 mm (162.2 inches), width of 1,590 mm (62.6 inches), and height of 1,385 mm (54.5 inches), it fits well within the typical garage dimensions, which usually start around 4,875 mm (16 feet) long and 2,438 mm (8 feet) wide. This compact size ensures that parking the Sunny indoors is convenient and leaves room for easy maneuvering or storing other items.
Compared to its predecessor, the earlier Nissan Sunny models produced before 1970, the 1979 Nissan Sunny (140Y, 150Y) offered improved interior passenger space, particularly due to its increased overall length and wheelbase. The newer generation provided enhanced legroom and headroom for occupants by extending the wheelbase to approximately 2,350 mm (92.5 inches) from the shorter previous versions. This resulted in a more comfortable cabin, especially for rear passengers, while maintaining compact external dimensions for easy city driving.
Compared to similar compact sedans from the late 1970s such as the Toyota Corolla E30 and Honda Civic first generation, the Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y is dimensionally comparable. Its length of roughly 4,120 mm (162.2 inches) and width of 1,590 mm (62.6 inches) align closely with competitors, which commonly ranged between 3,900 mm (153 inches) to 4,200 mm (165 inches) in length and 1,580 mm (62 inches) to 1,600 mm (63 inches) in width. The Sunny's balanced dimensions provided a solid combination of interior space, fuel economy, and ease of parking.
The 1979 Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y was typically equipped with small displacement inline-4 engines, ranging from about 1.2 liters to 1.5 liters, designed for fuel efficiency and reliability rather than outright performance. Power output varied but generally ranged between 60 and 75 horsepower depending on the engine variant and market. These engines offered sufficient capability for daily commuting and city driving, while maintaining excellent fuel consumption figures, which was a priority during that period due to rising oil prices.
The trunk capacity of the 1979 Nissan Sunny 140Y, 150Y sedan is approximately 370 liters (around 13 cubic feet), which was considered a respectable volume for compact cars of its time. This size allows for adequate storage space for groceries, luggage, or everyday items, making it suitable for small family use. The rectangular trunk opening and relatively low loading height also simplify loading and unloading cargo, contributing to practical everyday usability.
The Nissan Sunny (140Y, 150Y) generation was produced from 1970 to 1982, encompassing a wide range of variations and updates throughout its lifespan. By 1979, the model had undergone several facelifts and mechanical improvements to enhance fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort. These included updates to the suspension system, minor styling tweaks, and engine refinements. The extended production period allowed Nissan to respond to market demands, regulatory changes, and competition, making editions from the late '70s more refined than early releases in terms of reliability and driving experience.
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