| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1986 |
| Production Years: | 1986 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
The Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12), produced from 1986 to 1991, represents a notable generation of the compact sedan segment by Nissan. Known for reliability and practicality, this model was offered predominantly as a four-door sedan tailored for everyday use. While exact dimensions vary slightly by market and trim, the Sunny II typically features a compact but efficient design that balances interior space with urban maneuverability.
The B12 generation, which includes the Sunny II with the GA15DE engine, measures approximately 4,235 mm (166.7 inches) in length, around 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in width, and about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) in height. Its wheelbase spans roughly 2,420 mm (95.3 inches), providing adequate passenger room for a compact vehicle of its era. The curb weight of the Sunny II GA15DE ranges near 980-1,100 kg (2,160-2,425 lbs), reflecting a lightweight construction that contributed to fuel efficiency and agility.
Powered by Nissan's GA15DE engine—a 1.5-liter, inline 4-cylinder DOHC powerplant—this Sunny offers a balanced performance profile suited for city commuting and moderate highway driving. The 1986-1991 model years mark an evolution over the previous generation with improved engine technology, suspension tuning, and interior comfort.
Overall, the Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) sedan holds a significant place as a compact car from the late 1980s, appreciated for its blend of size, performance, and durability. It remains a relevant reference point for those interested in compact car history, size comparisons, and Nissan’s automotive legacy during the late 20th century.
Discover the standout features that make the 1986 Nissan Sunny II GA15DE a leader in its class
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The Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) sedan, produced from 1986 to 1991, has compact dimensions making it suitable for urban use. The car measures approximately 4,235 mm (166.7 inches) in length, 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in width, and about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) in height. These dimensions reflect its classification as a compact sedan, offering a balanced size for daily driving, parking, and maneuverability. The length provides adequate interior space without making it cumbersome in tight city environments, while the width and height contribute to a low profile and ease of access.
The ground clearance of the Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) is approximately 170 mm (6.7 inches). This moderate ground clearance allows the vehicle to navigate urban roads, minor potholes, and speed bumps comfortably. It strikes a balance between a smoother ride and practical clearance to avoid undercarriage damage in everyday driving conditions. This clearance is typical for a compact sedan of its era, ensuring that the suspension setup supports both comfort and stability without compromising handling on uneven surfaces.
The curb weight of the Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) is around 950 to 1,050 kg (2,094 to 2,315 lbs), depending on specific trim and equipment. This relatively light weight contributes positively to the car's fuel efficiency and nimble performance. Lower weight reduces the engine's workload, allowing the GA15DE 1.5-liter engine to provide adequate power while maintaining good fuel economy. Additionally, it enhances handling responsiveness and braking distances, making the vehicle well-suited for both city commuting and longer drives.
The Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) offers a reasonably comfortable interior typical of compact sedans from the late 1980s. It provides seating for five passengers with adequate headroom and legroom for front and rear occupants, although taller adults may find rear legroom a bit limited during longer trips. The trunk capacity is approximately 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet), which is sufficient for daily grocery runs, small luggage, or commuter needs. The cabin's design focuses on practicality rather than luxury, delivering a functional and straightforward space ideal for small families or individual drivers.
Yes, the Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Most standard garages have interior dimensions of approximately 2.4 to 2.7 meters (94.5 to 106.3 inches) in width and 4.8 to 6 meters (189 to 236 inches) in length. Given the Sunny's compact length of about 4.235 meters (166.7 inches) and its width of 1.62 meters (63.8 inches), it leaves sufficient clearance space for door opening and ease of parking inside a typical garage, making it very practical for everyday use in residential areas.
Compared to the predecessor B11 generation, the Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) saw modest changes in dimensions. The B12 model typically grew slightly in length and width, providing marginally more interior space and better road presence. The B11 measured about 4,135 mm (162.8 inches) in length and about 1,590 mm (62.6 inches) in width. Thus, the B12 is roughly 10 cm (4 inches) longer and around 3 cm (1.2 inches) wider, reflecting Nissan's efforts to enhance passenger comfort and accommodate evolving safety and design requirements while retaining the compact hatchback/sedan footprint.
In comparison to similar compact sedans from the late 1980s, such as the Toyota Corolla E80 and Honda Civic third generation, the Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) is comparable in overall size. For example, the Toyota Corolla E80 sedan measures roughly 4,190 mm (165 inches) in length and 1,625 mm (64 inches) in width, very close to the Sunny B12. Similarly, the Honda Civic from the same era was slightly smaller in length but similar in width. This places the Sunny comfortably within the compact segment, offering competitive interior space and dimensions suited for city and suburban driving during that period.
The Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) has a width of approximately 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) and a height around 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These proportions contribute to the car's ease of maneuvering in urban environments and tight parking spaces. Its relatively narrow width is advantageous when negotiating narrow streets or parking in constrained spaces, while the moderate height contributes to the car's aerodynamic efficiency and low center of gravity, improving stability. These dimensions help drivers navigate busy city streets and parking garages without feeling cramped or awkward.
The Nissan Sunny II GA15DE typically comes with a fuel tank capacity of about 50 liters (13.2 US gallons). Its fuel consumption varies depending on driving conditions, but under regular urban and highway use, the car averages around 7 to 8 liters per 100 kilometers (29 to 33 miles per gallon). Thanks to its lightweight design and efficient 1.5-liter GA15DE engine, it offers an economical choice for drivers seeking reliability and decent efficiency in a compact sedan without sacrificing performance.
The Nissan Sunny II GA15DE (B12) is powered by the GA15DE, a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, fuel-injected engine producing approximately 90 horsepower. This inline-four engine delivers reliable and modest performance, ideal for daily commuting and city driving. The car typically features front-wheel drive and manual transmission options, though automatics were also available. Its balanced power output, combined with the lightweight chassis, provides smooth acceleration and efficient fuel consumption, reflecting the emphasis on practicality and economy characteristic of late 1980s compact sedans.
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