alright so i just bought this Datsun 1980 210, and i was wondering what people thought of this car, is it a good model? i am having quite a time finding other cars like mine, and i seem to be getting pretty crappy gas mileage and was wondering if the timing chain might make that much of an impact, im getting 20-25 mpg and advertised is 49mpg.

Yes, these are good cars, and not too rare out here on the West Coast. I see them driving around regularly. I haven't seen another B110 for about 2 years now. But I see B310 every week.

The B310 ("Datsun 210"), 1979-1982 model years, is a good model. Only the "FU" model with A14 engine and five-speed got 49 mpg. Other models got closer to 40 mpg. This was highway only, on flat interstates. In town, expect about 25 mpg.

Timing chain is unlikely to be a problem, these engines rarely have a bad chain. Plus it has an automatic adjuster.

Most likely bad fuel ecomony is just needing a careful tuneup.

well it is a five speed but how can i tell if its a A14 engine, sorry if these are silly questions, I'm learning

There is a plate in the engine compartment, on the firewall:




If it is marked A14 65 hp, that is the high-MPG model. If it is A12A, A14 85 hp or A15 then it is not the high-MPG model.

its the newer plate and it says A14 (s) but i cant find the HP where do i find that on the newer 80 model plate.

Do you mean it is like this (newer style) plate?




This is even better:
LB310 = A12A
HLB310 = A14
PLB310 = A15
FU = Five-speed USA (FED, not California)

A14 + FU is the MPG model, as far as anyone knows.

yes thats it, it says A14 (s). so i guess thats the non mpg because it is a five speed it that matters.

thanks for your help btw