For something comfortable to drive a 180b is even better with stronger chassis and easily available in the sss versions and wagons.

I've had both, only real difference is the 1600 is more comfortable to drive.
and ive been looking for a 1200 for a while to park next to the 1600.

The Datsun now are stronger than its ever been as theres gett'n less & less of them

I like the beemers too, mainly the E30, and the 2002, but they are expensive and seem to rust badly. Know what you mean about the solidity, but it does come with a price- all that weight!
I would rather have a bmw for a daily too, so I could save the 1600 for the weekends!

Quote:

lol... well I guess the extra 200kg is why they feel a lot more solidly built than the 1600s I've been in! One thing to remember with the BMW kerb weights is that they always quote them 'wet' as opposed to many manufacturer's 'dry' weights (not sure how nissan quotes theirs). So that is a 323i full of fluids (oil, coolant etc) and also with a full tank of fuel.

Still... the 1600 & BMW - either the 2002 (940kg and between 96hp & 140hp depending on model) or the e21 - are pretty similar. As a daily driver, the 3 series runs rings around the 1600 and is a lot cheaper to buy / not much more expensive to maintain.

The 1200 on the other hand with it's much lighter kerb weight / much better economy is a very different car.

I like all the dattos I have 2 1600s and a zed and in the past 2 620s and 20 120ys/B210s still want a 1200ute though

Quote:

I thought this couldn't be true so I googled E21 specs and found listed weights from 1110-1135kg. A 1600 weighs about 890kg? So more than 200kg lighter? no wonder those billy carts go so well aye?

I'm a Datsun 1600 driver with an SR20DET. :D
BUT
I'd really love to own a Datsun 1000 coupe with an A14 in it, or perhaps a 1200 coupe with an L18 in it or maybe a CA18DET.
I'd own a 1000 wagon with the standard 1600 wheels and hubcaps (nice Leigh!), 180B with JDM style wheels... If I was ever going to go circuit racing, I'd own a 1000 or 1200 coupe, just because they are so light, and bang for buck can't be beat.
I'd still own a 1600, because I like them, but I'd like to own other datsuns aswell.

1200's are LOTS more common here in NZ than 1600's. It took me ages to find a 1600 that I could afford.

My first car was a 1600... I sold it to pave the way for my drinking career. But after that I owned (and destroyed) several 1200's. My favorite is the coupe. I considered owning a ute but after owning a Holden ute... Let's face it, the 1200 ute is a bit beige compared to a Holden one tonner. Don't get me wrong, they look o.k. but I wouldn't want to drive a ute that could almost be obscured by a gogo mobile.

And nobody who has a SR or CA or Wankel powered 1200 ute really gets to enjoy the full priveledge of the accelerator pedal. Too damn light in the rear. Unless they are drag racing of course. Ask Ange how his ute handles the rain!! They are really just a wheelbarrow fitted with a donk!