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Datsun model series B210 was the third-generation Sunny. They were sold during Model years 1974-1978 and marketed in various countries as the Datsun B210 or Datsun Sunny. In some countries it was designated Datsun 120Y or Datsun 140Y, depending on the engine fitted. The B210 was designed to be more luxurious than the spartan B110, so it has a 40mm longer Wheelbase, and is considerably heavier than the original Datsun 1200.
Overview
It is common to confuse the "Datsun B-210" (B210) with the "Datsun 210" (B310), but they are different generations altogether, sold during different years. For more details and how the Sunny family developed, see History of Datsun 1200.
Colors
See B210 Colors
Variations
Model Prefix
- B210 - base engine (A12)
- HB210 - High grade engine (A14)
- PB210 - Excellent 1400, separate model line for 1974-1975 with L-series engine
- GB210 - Excellent 1600 (L16) from 1976 February
Chassis Identification under-hood plate:
H72 = 1975 B210 with A14 engine (Applied Model Codes)
78HP A14 (H73)
Prefix & Suffix Codes
Models
- B210 4-dr sedan
-
- B210R 2-dr sedan
-
- KB210 Coupe (in hatchback form, unlike KB110 fastback which had no hatch)
-
- VB210 2-dr Wagon (van)
-
- VB210 4-dr Wagon (van)
-
- Truck: the 120Y Truck is actually a 1200 Truck, not a B210-based model
- See B120
- VB210 Panel Wagon (some countries) -- not a JDM factory offering?
-
Series
B210 could be divided into two series:
EARLY (1974-1975/1976 models) * small suspension & brakes * non-chrome (black or gray) bumpers (USA) * Sedan Grille:
* Coupe Grille (also used by USA Sedans):
LATE (1976/1977-1978 models) * larger suspension & brakes * blackout tail panel * chrome bumpers (USA) * New Grille with a clearly rectangular center section:
Trim
- Standard - least expensive model
- Semi-Deluxe - for Vans
- Deluxe - upgraded model
- Super-Deluxe - for Vans
- GL (Grand Luxe) - luxury model
- GX (Grand Luxe special), available as 4-dr or Coupe
- JDM: Highest trim level
- Some GX models had the A12T or A14T twin-carb engine
- Other GX models had the A12S or A14S single-carb engine
- USA: GX models had a standard A14S (single-carb engine)
-
Datsun model series B210 was the third-generation Sunny. They were sold during Model years 1974-1978 and marketed in various countries as the Datsun B-210 or Datsun Sunny. In some countries it was designated Datsun 120Y or Datsun 140Y, depending on the engine fitted. The B210 was designed to be more luxurious than the spartan B110, so it has a 40mm longer Wheelbase, and is considerably heavier than the original Datsun 1200.
- JDM: Highest trim level
Overview
It is common to confuse the "Datsun B-210" (B210) with the "Datsun 210" (B310), but they are different generations altogether, sold during different years. For more details and how the Sunny family developed, see History of Datsun 1200.
Colors
See B210 Colors
Variations
Model Prefix
- B210 - base engine (A12)
- HB210 - High grade engine (A14)
- PB210 - Excellent 1400, separate model line for 1974-1975 with L-series engine
- GB210 - Excellent 1600 (L16) from 1976 February
Chassis Identification under-hood plate:
H72 = 1975 B210 with A14 engine (Applied Model Codes)
78HP A14 (H73)
Prefix & Suffix Codes
Models
- B210 4-dr sedan
-
- B210R 2-dr sedan
-
- KB210 Coupe (in hatchback form, unlike KB110 fastback which had no hatch)
-
- VB210 2-dr Wagon (van)
-
- VB210 4-dr Wagon (van)
-
- Truck: the 120Y Truck is actually a B120, not a B210-based model
- VB210 Panel Wagon (some countries) -- not a JDM factory offering?
Series
B210 could be divided into two series:
- EARLY (1974-1975/1976 models)
- small suspension & brakes
- non-chrome (black or gray) bumpers (USA)
- Sedan Grille:
-
- Coupe Grille (also used by USA Sedans):
-
- LATE (1976/1977-1978 models)
- larger suspension & brakes
- blackout tail panel
- chrome bumpers (USA)
- New Grille with a clearly rectangular center section:
-
Trim
- Standard - least expensive model
- Semi-Deluxe - for Vans
- Deluxe - upgraded model
- Super-Deluxe - for Vans
- GL (Grand Luxe) - luxury model
- GX (Grand Luxe special), available as 4-dr or Coupe
- JDM: Highest trim level
- Some GX models had the A12T or A14T twin-carb engine
- Other GX models had the A12S or A14S single-carb engine
- USA: GX models had a standard A14S (single-carb engine)
- JDM: Highest trim level
Common rectangular-gauge dash:
High-line round-gauge dash (JDM GL Coupe and GX Coupe):
Design
The B210 was the third-generation Sunny, replacing the B110. The theme for the B210 re-design included:
- improvement "to be more likeable and satisfactory to a greater number of people".
- Exterior design: style of "Streamline and a Cut" with "Young and Dynamic" image -- instead of the "rational" styling of the B110. "Sharp and Soft" atmosphere, "Long-nosed proportion" (long wheelbase?), and "Streamed and Dynamic" style.
- Interior design: "Oval Scoop Cockpit"
- Increased driver roominess. Front compartment larger, rear compartment smaller
- Quieter operation (reduced NVH)
reference: Service Bulletin Vol. 188 "Introduction of New Datsun B210 Series", Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, 1973.
The side panel is finished by plum faces and sharp folds all over, and the stream of the fold and roof drip like an ebbing wave keeps sharpness in the free and easy touch.
Others have simply called it "coke-bottle" styling -- dynamic with a pinched waist.
One oddity about the B210 is that the bonnet latch release was moved from inside the car to outside. In this feature it was inferior to the B110. By 1976 it was moved back inside.
Bumpers
See B210 Bumpers
Grille
See B210 Grille
Tail Lights
B210 SEDAN
26551-H6200 USA (perhaps a different reflective standard?)
26551-H5000 JDM (looks the same as USA)
Sedan with rear-mounted number plate
B210 L-16 powered SEDAN
B210 COUPE
B210 L16-powered COUPE
Interior
Dash
Most B210 models used a "modern" square-gauge dash. The B210 DX steering wheel was re-used in the 1978-up Datsun 1200 Pickup.
B210 featured illuminated Knobs as first seen on the PB110 Sunny Excellent. They are slightly different than the green knobs seen on the 1973 Datsun 1200s.
Powertrain
Engine
Most B210s outside of North American were fitted with the redesigned A12 engine, hence the 120 in "120Y". North American models were fitted *only* with the high-line engines, namely the A13 for 1974, and the A14 for 1975-1978.
USA GX models use the single-carb engine (A14S). Some JDM GX models used the A12S or A14S single carb engine, and some used twin-carb engines (A12T or A14T).
Transmission
A12 and A13 models were fitted with the 56-Series Transmission, a four speed. A14 models, having extra torque, required a heavier-duty transmission so the the 60-Series Transmission 4-speed was fitted.
A12T Five-speed models (GFK, 1973-1974) used the 56-series 5-speed.
A14 Five-speed models (GFK, 1976-1978) used the large 63-Series Transmission.
Differential
1974-1975 models with A12 and A13 models used the Hitachi H145 differential.
A14 models used the H150 differential, which was rated to cope with the extra torque.
1976-1978 models all used the H150, including A12 models.
Brakes and Suspension
All North American B210s used the large disk brakes from the PB210 series, along with heavy-duty steering linkage from the Datsun 610.
Early A12 models used front drum brakes and lightweight steering linkage. 76-78 A12 models used a lightweight disc brake with heavy duty steering linkage.
Spring rates are nearly identical to Datsun 1200, even though the B210 was 20-25% heavier. This resulted in a noticeably smoother ride.
B210 SSS
Datsun-Nissan New Zealand sold a special model, the SSS.
Honey Bee
The Datsun B-210 Honey Bee was a special low-cost model offered in the United States. It was the low-spec Standard model with no carpeting, but could be had with a special stripe and Bee decal. Its goal was to sell to a young, first time buyer who could not afford a regular B210. Honey Bee was only offered as a 2-dr sedan.
See main article: B210 Honey Bee
Fuel Economy Champions
1974 41 mpg with A13 engine and 4-speed
1975 39 mpg, 27 mpg city with A14 engine and 4-Speed
1975 41 mpg, 27 mpg city with A14 engine and 4-Speed
1975-1/2 41 mpg Honey Bee with A14 engine and 4-Speed. Honey Bee was a STD model (lightweight stripper model)
1976 4-speed: 41 mpg highway, 29 mpg city with A14 engine
1976 Automatic: 34 mpg highway, 26 mpg city with A14 engine (70 HP SAE NET, 68 HP California)
1976.5 5-speed FED: 44 mpg highway, 29 mpg city with "3.70 rear axle"
1976.5 5-speed CAL: 43 mpg highway, 30 mpg city with "3.70 rear axle"
1976 5-speed: 42 mpg highway, 28 mpg city with A14 engine Hatchback advertisement "Suddenly it's going to dawn on you"
1977 47 mpg highway, A14 with 5-speed (California)
1977 50 mpg highway, 37 mpg city with A14 engine and 5-speed:
1978 48 mpg highway, 36 mpg city with A14 and 5-speed
This was the peak of Nissan fuel economy, at least in a regular size (over 660 cc) car.
The introduction of 5-speeds, per the Datsun Service Bulletin was "1976 1/2". All the 5-speed B210s were the big heavy 63A model. Which is ironic because they were all fitted to lo-po A14s. Apparently Nissan had no smaller 5-speeds to handle the torque of A14, so it was converted to A-series use just after the fuel crisis.
From the same engineers who brought you the Z-car.
Badges
See main article: B210 Badges
JDM
B210 - the original design * from 1973 to late 1975
B211 - the redesign (minor facelift) * Sedan, Coupe from December 1975 * Van continues as B210, but upgraded in October 1975
North America
In North America, the B210 was marketed as the "B-210" (with a hyphen). NOTE: It was not the 210, that is a newer Datsun.
See main article: B210 Year Changes
Also See: * Emission Controls * A-series Engine Changes
Australia
Som B210 sedan were Australian-assembled
Donor Parts
- Many 510 and 610 steering, suspension and brake parts fit B210
- Many parts from B210 will fit B110 (and vice-versa). See article: B210 Parts Donor
- See General parts for a list of many parts like headlights, battery, etc from most cars that fit will B210.
- Steering parts
- Steering gear is same as 610, size 45 mm gear spacing. 15.0 ratio, 3.14 turns lock/lock @ 38 degrees
- Steering column is separate from gear (B110 has integral gear/column)
- Side rod is size of 610, but different length
- Cross rod, differs from 610 in bend and size
- Idler: same as 610
- Gear arm: same as 610
- Front suspension and brakes: Many Datsun 610 parts fit B210 (USA models). These differ from B110
- Tranverse link: 510/610 part
- Ball joint: 610 part
- Wheel bearing: 510/610
- Hub: 510/610
- Rotor 232 mm same as 510/610. B110 uses 212.5 mm
- Caliper and pads: Annete 14/15A same as 610 (B110 uses 12/14A)
- Strut interior parts (or insert). Larger diameter than B110
- Brakes
- M45 Master Vac (booster) same size, but differs from 510/610
- Brake master cylinder 5/8 bore, part is same as 610. Same bore as B110, but different mounting.
- NP proportioning valve same as 610 (B110 has no valve)
- Engine crossmember (wider than B110)
- Diff U-bolts and mounting pads (wider)
- Rear Wheel bearings (larger)
- Lug nuts. B210 uses larger 13/16 size. B110 uses 3/4 size
For a list of B110 parts that fit B210, see B210 Parts Donor.
Brochures
Drawings
Common rectangular-gauge dash:
High-line round-gauge dash (JDM GL Coupe and GX Coupe):
Design
The B210 was the third-generation Sunny, replacing the B110. The theme for the B210 re-design included:
- improvement "to be more likeable and satisfactory to a greater number of people".
- Exterior design: style of "Streamline and a Cut" with "Young and Dynamic" image -- instead of the "rational" styling of the B110. "Sharp and Soft" atmosphere, "Long-nosed proportion" (long wheelbase?), and "Streamed and Dynamic" style.
- Interior design: "Oval Scoop Cockpit"
- Increased driver roominess. Front compartment larger, rear compartment smaller
- Quieter operation (reduced NVH)
reference: Service Bulletin Vol. 188 "Introduction of New Datsun B210 Series", Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, 1973.
The side panel is finished by plum faces and sharp folds all over, and the stream of the fold and roof drip like an ebbing wave keeps sharpness in the free and easy touch.
Others have simply called it "coke-bottle" styling -- dynamic with a pinched waist.
One oddity about the B210 is that the bonnet latch release was moved from inside the car to outside. In this feature it was inferior to the B110. By 1976 it was moved back inside.
Bumpers
See B210 Bumpers
Grille
See B210 Grille
Tail Lights
B210 SEDAN
26551-H6200 USA (perhaps a different reflective standard?)
26551-H5000 JDM (looks the same as USA)
Sedan with rear-mounted number plate
B210 L-16 powered SEDAN
B210 COUPE
B210 L16-powered COUPE
Interior
Dash
Most B210 models used a "modern" square-gauge dash. The B210 DX steering wheel was re-used in the 1978-up Datsun 1200 Pickup.
B210 featured illuminated Knobs as first seen on the PB110 Sunny Excellent. They are slightly different than the green knobs seen on the 1973 Datsun 1200s.
Powertrain
Engine
Most B210s outside of North American were fitted with the redesigned A12 engine, hence the 120 in "120Y". North American models were fitted *only* with the high-line engines, namely the A13 for 1974, and the A14 for 1975-1978.
USA GX models use the single-carb engine (A14S). Some JDM GX models used the A12S or A14S single carb engine, and some used twin-carb engines (A12T or A14T).
Transmission
A12 and A13 models were fitted with the 56-Series Transmission, a four speed. A14 models, having extra torque, required a heavier-duty transmission so the the 60-Series Transmission 4-speed was fitted.
A12T Five-speed models (GFK, 1973-1974) used the 56-series 5-speed.
A14 Five-speed models (GFK, 1976-1978) used the large 63-Series Transmission.
Differential
1974-1975 models with A12 and A13 models used the Hitachi H145 differential.
A14 models used the H150 differential, which was rated to cope with the extra torque.
1976-1978 models all used the H150, including A12 models.
Brakes and Suspension
All North American B210s used the large disk brakes from the PB210 series, along with heavy-duty steering linkage from the Datsun 610.
Early A12 models used front drum brakes and lightweight steering linkage. 76-78 A12 models used a lightweight disc brake with heavy duty steering linkage.
Spring rates are nearly identical to Datsun 1200, even though the B210 was 20-25% heavier. This resulted in a noticeably smoother ride.
B210 SSS
Datsun-Nissan New Zealand sold a special model, the SSS.
Honey Bee
The Datsun B-210 Honey Bee was a special low-cost model offered in the United States. It was the low-spec Standard model with no carpeting, but could be had with a special stripe and Bee decal. Its goal was to sell to a young, first time buyer who could not afford a regular B210. Honey Bee was only offered as a 2-dr sedan.
See main article: B210 Honey Bee
Fuel Economy Champions
B210 was consistently at or near the top of the fuel ecomony leaders.
See main article: B210 Fuel Economy
Badges
See main article: B210 Badges
JDM
B210 - the original design
- from 1973 to late 1975
B211 - the redesign (minor facelift)
- Sedan, Coupe from December 1975
- Van continues as B210, but upgraded in October 1975
North America
In North America, the B210 was marketed as the "B-210" (with a hyphen) or B210 (without). NOTE: It was not the 210, that is a newer Datsun.
Also See: * Emission Controls * A-series Engine Changes
Model Year Changes
See main article: B210 Year Changes
Australia
Som B210 sedan were Australian-assembled
Donor Parts
Many 510 and 610 steering, suspension and brake parts fit B210
* For a list of parts that fit the B210, see B210 Parts * For a list of B110 parts that be taken from B210, see B210 Parts Donor.
Brochures
Drawings