Datsun 720

Which Datsun 720 Version Should You Choose?

The Datsun 720 was produced from 1980 to 1986 as a Pickup 1.5-cab in a single generation. Its eight listed versions divide into four engine choices, each offered with either Manual or Automatic transmission. The main decision is between RWD versions with 160 mm of ground clearance and AWD versions with 220 mm.

The Datsun 720 was produced from 1980 to 1986 as a Pickup 1.5-cab in a single generation. Its eight listed versions divide into four engine choices, each offered with either Manual or Automatic transmission. The main decision is between RWD versions with 160 mm of ground clearance and AWD versions with 220 mm. Buyers can then choose Gasoline or Diesel power and either a 5-speed Manual or 3-speed Automatic gearbox.

Datsun 720 generations and versions

The 1 generation ran from 1980 to 1986 and comprised eight Pickup 1.5-cab versions. These were 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.2 MT, 2.2 AT, 2.3 MT, 2.3 AT, 2.5 MT, and 2.5 AT. There is no separate restyling or additional generation in the supplied data, so the meaningful comparisons are between engines, transmissions, drive systems, and ground clearance within this generation.

Datsun 720 engine and specs comparison

All eight Datsun 720 versions use naturally aspirated Inline engines with 4 cylinders and 2 valves per cylinder. The Gasoline engines have Carburetor fuel systems. Each Manual version has 5 speeds, while every Automatic version has 3 speeds.

The 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT deliver the highest listed output at 88 hp from 1770 cc. That equals approximately 49.7 hp per litre. The 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT produce 86 hp from 2188 cc, or approximately 39.3 hp per litre. The 2.3 MT and 2.3 AT make 73 hp from 2289 cc, approximately 31.9 hp per litre, while the 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT provide 75 hp from 2488 cc, approximately 30.1 hp per litre.

These calculations make the 1.8 versions the strongest choices both in absolute output and in power per litre. The 2.2 versions produce 2 hp less than the 1.8 models but add AWD and 60 mm more ground clearance. The 2.5 versions gain 2 hp over the 2.3 models while increasing displacement by 199 cc and changing from RWD to AWD.

Datsun 720 performance, mpg, and economy

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not measured for 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.2 MT, 2.2 AT, 2.3 MT, 2.3 AT, 2.5 MT, or 2.5 AT. Top speed is also not measured for any of the eight versions.

City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for every Datsun 720 version in the data. Consequently, an mpg comparison cannot be made. Torque and the engine speeds at which power or torque are developed are likewise not measured, so the larger Diesel engines should not be assumed to provide a particular advantage beyond their stated displacement, power, drive, and clearance figures.

Kerb weight is not measured, which also means weight per horsepower cannot be calculated for any version. The available power figures alone place the 88 hp 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT first, followed by the 86 hp 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT, the 75 hp 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT, and the 73 hp 2.3 MT and 2.3 AT.

Datsun 720 dimensions, weight, and ground clearance

The decisive dimensional specification is ground clearance. The RWD 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.3 MT, and 2.3 AT have 160 mm of clearance. The AWD 2.2 MT, 2.2 AT, 2.5 MT, and 2.5 AT have 220 mm, giving them a 60 mm advantage.

Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for all versions. Fuel-tank capacity is not measured, and wheel sizes are not measured. Because both weight figures are unavailable, payload and power-to-weight comparisons cannot be derived from the supplied specifications.

Every version has Independent, spring front suspension and Dependent, spring rear suspension. All eight use Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes, so these components do not distinguish one version from another.

Datsun 720 reliability and problems

Reliability records and reported problems are not measured in the supplied data. No version can therefore be ranked by breakdown frequency, durability, repair cost, or parts availability. The specification sheet confirms that none of the engines has boost, but that fact alone does not establish greater reliability.

A condition-based buying decision would require evidence outside these data. Within this catalogue comparison, the defensible choice must be based on engine output, displacement, fuel label, gearbox, drive, and ground clearance.

Which Datsun 720 version to buy

Choose 1.8 MT if maximum listed power and a Manual gearbox matter most. It combines 88 hp, the highest figure in the range, with the best calculated specific output of approximately 49.7 hp per litre. Its trade-off is RWD and 160 mm of ground clearance.

Choose 1.8 AT for the same 88 hp and 1770 cc Gasoline engine with Automatic transmission. The engine specifications, RWD, and 160 mm clearance match 1.8 MT; the choice between them is specifically a 5-speed Manual versus a 3-speed Automatic.

Choose 2.2 MT when AWD, 220 mm of clearance, Gasoline, and a Manual gearbox form the preferred combination. Compared with 1.8 MT, it provides 60 mm more clearance and AWD while giving up 2 hp. Its displacement is 418 cc greater, although its output remains slightly lower at 86 hp.

Choose 2.2 AT if those same AWD and clearance advantages are required with a 3-speed Automatic. It has the same 86 hp, 2188 cc Gasoline engine and 220 mm clearance as 2.2 MT, differing in transmission rather than engine output or chassis specifications.

Choose 2.3 MT if the requirement is a Diesel engine, RWD, and a 5-speed Manual. Its 2289 cc engine develops 73 hp, the lowest output in the range, and clearance is 160 mm. Choose 2.3 AT for the identical engine, power, drive, and clearance with a 3-speed Automatic instead.

Choose 2.5 MT when Diesel, AWD, maximum listed clearance, and Manual transmission are the priorities. Against 2.3 MT, it adds 199 cc, 2 hp, AWD, and 60 mm of clearance. The 2.5 AT provides exactly the same 2488 cc, 75 hp, Diesel, AWD, and 220 mm specification with a 3-speed Automatic.

On the figures available, 1.8 MT is the power-focused choice, 2.2 MT is the strongest Gasoline AWD compromise, and 2.5 MT is the most capable Diesel configuration by drive and clearance. Buyers who specifically prefer Automatic transmission can select the corresponding 1.8 AT, 2.2 AT, 2.3 AT, or 2.5 AT without changing the stated engine output, drive system, or ground clearance of the matching MT version.