Nissan Fairlady Z: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Nissan Fairlady Z catalogue covers six generations of Coupe models, from the first generation built between 1969 and 1978 to the sixth generation introduced in 2008. The choice is fundamentally between early Inline engines and later V-shaped units, naturally aspirated and Turbo versions, and Manual or Automatic transmissions.
The Nissan Fairlady Z catalogue covers six generations of Coupe models, from the first generation built between 1969 and 1978 to the sixth generation introduced in 2008. The choice is fundamentally between early Inline engines and later V-shaped units, naturally aspirated and Turbo versions, and Manual or Automatic transmissions. For the quickest measured acceleration, the fifth-generation 3.5 MT with 345 hp reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. For the strongest sixth-generation specification, choose a 3.7 MT or 3.7 AT with 355 hp and 374 Nm. Buyers seeking the lightest recorded car should consider the first-generation 2.4 MT at 1,044 kg, while the fourth-generation Turbo 3.0 MT offers 280 hp, 388 Nm and a measured top speed of 250 km/h.
Nissan Fairlady Z generations: what changed
The first generation, produced from 1969 to 1978, is a Coupe with one version: 2.4 MT. It combines a 2,393 cc Gasoline Inline engine, no boost, a 4-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. Its 151 hp and 1,044 kg kerb weight produce 6.91 kg per hp, while output is approximately 63.1 hp per litre.
The second generation ran from 1979 to August 1983 as a Coupe with six versions. Its 2.0 MT choices produce either 130 hp without boost or 143 hp with Turbo, while 2.8 MT versions produce 145 hp without boost or 182 hp with Turbo. The 2.0 AT is rated at 143 hp, and the 2.8 AT at 182 hp. This generation therefore offers 2,000-class and 2,800-class engines, Manual and Automatic gearboxes, and both boosted and unboosted specifications.
The third-generation Coupe ran from September 1983 to June 1989 and contains nine versions. Every listed engine is Turbo and V-shaped. The 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT appear with 170 hp, while later 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT specifications have 180 hp. The 3.0 MT and 3.0 AT start at 190 hp; another 3.0 AT has 195 hp, and the strongest 3.0 MT and 3.0 AT versions have 230 hp and 333 Nm. Depending on specification, the rear suspension is Independent, spring or Semi-independent, spring.
The fourth-generation Coupe spans 1989–2000 and has eight versions. Its naturally aspirated 3.0 MT and 3.0 AT versions produce 230 hp and 272 Nm, while Turbo versions of the same names produce 280 hp and 388 Nm. Manual cars use a 5-speed gearbox and Automatic cars a 4-speed gearbox. All are RWD.
The fifth-generation Coupe covers 2002–2008 and includes nine versions, all named 3.5 MT or 3.5 AT. Power ratings distinguish them: 3.5 MT appears with 280, 294, 313 or 345 hp, while 3.5 AT appears with 280 or 313 hp. All use a naturally aspirated 3,498 cc Gasoline V-shaped engine. The Manual has 6 speeds and the Automatic has 5.
The sixth-generation Coupe starts in 2008 and contains six versions, all called 3.7 MT or 3.7 AT. The 336 hp specifications produce 365 Nm, while the 355 hp specifications produce 374 Nm. Every version has a naturally aspirated 3,696 cc Gasoline V-shaped engine and RWD; 3.7 MT uses a 6-speed Manual gearbox, whereas 3.7 AT uses a 7-speed Automatic.
Nissan Fairlady Z engine specs and version comparison
| Generation and version | Output | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First — 2.4 MT | 151 hp | 198 Nm | 2,393 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 6, Inline | No | Manual, 4 | RWD |
| Second — 2.0 MT, 130 hp | 130 hp | not measured | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | No | Manual, 4 | RWD |
| Second — 2.0 MT, 143 hp | 143 hp | not measured | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 4 | RWD |
| Second — 2.8 MT, 145 hp | 145 hp | not measured | 2,753 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Second — 2.8 MT, 182 hp | 182 hp | 275 Nm | 2,753 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Second — 2.0 AT | 143 hp | not measured | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 3 | RWD |
| Second — 2.8 AT | 182 hp | 275 Nm | 2,753 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 3 | RWD |
| Third — 2.0 MT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 216 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Third — 2.0 AT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 216 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Third — 2.0 MT, 180 hp | 180 hp | 226 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Third — 2.0 AT, 180 hp | 180 hp | 226 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Third — 3.0 MT, 190 hp | 190 hp | 245 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Third — 3.0 AT, 190 hp | 190 hp | 245 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Third — 3.0 AT, 195 hp | 195 hp | 294 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Third — 3.0 MT, 230 hp | 230 hp | 333 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Third — 3.0 AT, 230 hp | 230 hp | 333 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 AT, 230 hp | 230 hp | 272 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 MT, 230 hp | 230 hp | 272 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 MT, 280 hp | 280 hp | 388 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 AT, 280 hp | 280 hp | 388 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 MT, 230 hp, 1,520 kg | 230 hp | 272 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 AT, 230 hp, 1,530 kg | 230 hp | 272 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 AT, 280 hp, 1,570 kg | 280 hp | 388 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | RWD |
| Fourth — 3.0 MT, 280 hp, 1,550 kg | 280 hp | 388 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Manual, 5 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 MT, 280 hp | 280 hp | 363 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 AT, 280 hp | 280 hp | 363 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 MT, 294 hp | 294 hp | 350 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 MT, 313 hp | 313 hp | 358 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 AT, 313 hp | 313 hp | 358 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 MT, 345 hp | 345 hp | 397 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 AT, 280 hp, 1,560 kg | 280 hp | 363 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 MT, 280 hp, 1,550 kg | 280 hp | 363 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Fifth — 3.5 MT, 294 hp, weight not measured | 294 hp | 350 Nm | 3,498 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Sixth — 3.7 MT, 336 hp, 1,600 kg | 336 hp | 365 Nm | 3,696 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Sixth — 3.7 AT, 336 hp | 336 hp | 365 Nm | 3,696 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 7 | RWD |
| Sixth — 3.7 MT, 355 hp | 355 hp | 374 Nm | 3,696 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Sixth — 3.7 AT, 355 hp | 355 hp | 374 Nm | 3,696 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 7 | RWD |
| Sixth — 3.7 MT, 336 hp, 1,690 kg | 336 hp | 365 Nm | 3,696 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 | RWD |
| Sixth — 3.7 AT, 336 hp, acceleration not measured | 336 hp | 365 Nm | 3,696 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 7 | RWD |
Nissan Fairlady Z performance and mpg
The first-generation 2.4 MT reaches 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and has a measured top speed of 201 km/h. Fuel consumption is not measured.
In the second generation, acceleration and top speed are not measured for both 2.0 MT versions, the 145 hp 2.8 MT and the 2.0 AT. The 182 hp 2.8 MT reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, while the 182 hp 2.8 AT takes 7.1 seconds; both have a measured top speed of 210 km/h. Fuel consumption is not measured for every second-generation version.
Most third-generation figures are not measured. The 230 hp 3.0 MT reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, and the 230 hp 3.0 AT takes 7.7 seconds, making the Manual 1.0 second quicker in the supplied figures. Top speed and fuel consumption are not measured for every third-generation version.
The fourth generation provides the clearest naturally aspirated-versus-Turbo comparison. The 230 hp 3.0 MT reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, compared with 7.6 seconds for the 230 hp 3.0 AT. The 280 hp Turbo 3.0 MT is recorded at either 5.3 or 5.9 seconds, depending on the listed version, and both measured Manual specifications reach 250 km/h. The 280 hp Turbo 3.0 AT reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds where measured; its top speed is not measured. Fuel consumption is not measured throughout this generation.
For the fifth generation, the 280 hp 3.5 AT has a measured 0–100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds, while acceleration is not measured for the listed 280 hp 3.5 MT versions. The 294 hp 3.5 MT takes 5.2 seconds where measured. The 313 hp 3.5 MT takes 5.3 seconds and the 313 hp 3.5 AT takes 5.4 seconds. The 345 hp 3.5 MT is quickest at 4.8 seconds and reaches 287 km/h. It is also the only version with measured consumption: 18.9 l/100 km in the city, 10.3 l/100 km on the highway and 14.4 l/100 km combined. Consumption is not measured for the other fifth-generation versions.
In the sixth generation, the measured 336 hp 3.7 MT takes 5.0 seconds to reach 100 km/h, while the measured 336 hp 3.7 AT takes 5.4 seconds. The 355 hp 3.7 MT also records 5.0 seconds, and the 355 hp 3.7 AT records 5.3 seconds. Acceleration is not measured for the remaining 336 hp 3.7 MT and 3.7 AT entries. Top speed and fuel consumption are not measured for every sixth-generation version.
Nissan Fairlady Z dimensions, weight and practical specifications
External dimensions are not measured for any listed generation, so length, width, height and wheelbase cannot be compared from this data.
The first-generation 2.4 MT weighs 1,044 kg. Gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured.
Second-generation kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured for all six versions.
Third-generation recorded kerb weights range from 1,260 kg for the 170 hp 2.0 MT to 1,440 kg for the 195 hp 3.0 AT. Other measured examples include 1,400 kg for the 180 hp 2.0 MT, the 190 hp 3.0 MT and the 230 hp 3.0 MT. Every version has 150 mm of ground clearance and a 72-litre tank. Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured.
Fourth-generation kerb weights run from 1,430 kg for one 230 hp 3.0 MT to 1,570 kg for the 280 hp 3.0 AT. The 280 hp 3.0 MT weighs 1,550 kg and has a gross weight of 2,020 kg. Ground clearance is either 125 or 130 mm, depending on the listed version, and every version has a 72-litre tank. Wheel sizes are not measured.
Fifth-generation measured kerb weights range from 1,450 kg to 1,560 kg. The 345 hp 3.5 MT weighs 1,510 kg, giving it 4.38 kg per hp; the 313 hp 3.5 MT weighs 1,540 kg, or 4.92 kg per hp. Ground clearance is 120 mm and tank capacity is 80 litres for every version. Listed wheel sizes are 225/45 R18 and 245/45 R18, although wheel sizes are not measured for some 280 hp versions. Gross weight is not measured.
Sixth-generation 3.7 MT kerb weight is either 1,600 or 1,690 kg where recorded. At 1,600 kg and 336 hp, the ratio is 4.76 kg per hp; the 1,690 kg version has 5.03 kg per hp. Automatic kerb weight and gross weight are not measured. Every version has 125 mm ground clearance, a 72-litre tank and wheel sizes of 225/50 R18 and 245/45 R18.
Which Nissan Fairlady Z version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation 2.4 MT if low recorded kerb weight matters most. Its 1,044 kg figure is 216 kg below the lightest measured third-generation car and 406 kg below the lightest measured fifth-generation car. Its 151 hp output and 8.2-second acceleration, however, place it behind the later performance versions.
Within the second generation, the 182 hp 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT are the most completely measured choices. Both make 275 Nm and reach 210 km/h. The 2.8 AT is 0.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h in the supplied data, despite using a 3-speed Automatic rather than the 5-speed Manual.
For a third-generation car, the 230 hp 3.0 MT is the performance choice supported by measured acceleration. It has 40 hp and 88 Nm more than the 190 hp 3.0 MT, and its 6.7-second result is 1.0 second quicker than the equivalent 230 hp 3.0 AT.
In the fourth generation, Turbo provides the decisive numerical gain. Moving from a 230 hp naturally aspirated 3.0 MT to a 280 hp Turbo 3.0 MT adds 50 hp and 116 Nm. The quickest recorded Turbo Manual is 1.4 seconds faster to 100 km/h than the measured naturally aspirated Manual. Choose the 230 hp version for the unboosted specification; choose the 280 hp version when output and acceleration take priority.
The fifth-generation 345 hp 3.5 MT is the strongest all-round performance selection in the supplied catalogue. It produces 32 hp and 39 Nm more than the 313 hp 3.5 MT, reaches 100 km/h 0.5 seconds sooner, and has a 37 km/h higher measured top speed than the fourth-generation Turbo Manual. It also provides the catalogue’s only measured city, highway and combined consumption figures.
For the sixth generation, the 355 hp versions add 19 hp and 9 Nm over the 336 hp versions. The 355 hp 3.7 AT is 0.1 second quicker to 100 km/h than the measured 336 hp 3.7 AT. The two measured Manual versions both take 5.0 seconds, so the extra output does not produce a quicker recorded acceleration time. Choose 3.7 MT for the quickest measured result within this generation; choose 3.7 AT if the 7-speed Automatic is the deciding requirement. Prices, sale listings, reliability records and problem data are not measured, so they cannot support a version recommendation here.