As the title indicates, why is the z31 so hated? I own one, so I am a bit biased, obviously. It just seems that there is a lot of hatred towards this car. Most Nissan calendars and publications usually either omit its existence or just put some little blurb about it. Car magazines make it sound like it shouldnt have even been made. Granted, the car doesnt really particularly excel at anything, but it certainly doesnt really stink at anything either. To me, it seems just about the same as the 280ZX, which didnt seem like it was too big an improvement over the old 280Z.
The cons for the car that I can see are:
--heavy (about 3100 lbs or so)
--somewhat underpowered in NA trim (160 HP)
--soft suspension (except Turbo models)
--weak automatic transmissions
The pros:
--extremely reliable engines
--turbo models are rather quick (200 HP)
--lots of creature comforts (for those who like them)
--engines that can handle very large amounts of power
--very comfortable
--adjustable suspension in Turbo models
In my opinion, the Z31 cant be too bad. It introduced an engine that was used in MANY Nissans (and a few Fords) for a long time--an engine that can handle mods and forced induction very well.
Anyone care to shed light on the subject?
Thanks
1985 Nissan 300ZX Turbo "Rose": 85000 miles, 5 Speed, Red/white exterior, Burgundy Interior
Mods: 87 digital dash, 240SX front parking lights

dated looks? it was an 80s car, nothing spectacular about it...i have seen some nice lookig ones though...i don't hate it...that's just what i think....kinda like the 280zx.
Post Edited (Feb 26, 2:57pm)

I used to think they where the uglyiest things but thats probably because all i saw were 84 and 85 beaters then one day - im crusing cragslist and i see 86 300zxT for 1200 - i think must be gay but ive owned 240 260 280 280zx so my next step must be a z31 and i was looking for another car - i open it and am like wtf lets go look at it ( i take my girl with me) go look at it im like well its cool cuz its turbo but i can stand it - seriously wtf were they thinking when they made this - girl thinks its pretty so im like ok ill get it and oyu can drive it - take it home stand about 5 -10 feet in front of it kneel down - omg fell in love one of the coolest looking cars ever + its turbo so the power potential is there and this thing can handle and the coolest thing ever
ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION
- where did this go why is it not on the new Zs i love it
- i think you just have to own one to know because befor i got this i just thought ugly - now it is one of my fav looking cars and ive been complimented on it a few times
- i think one of the mane things with the s130 and z31 most ppl think there lame but thats because most all you see is beater ones - you see and or get a nice one and your whole view changes
+ aftermarket dosnt exist for these cars - 90+ up the butt and everone likes to restore the older ones so the z31 is just the forgotten child in the middle what the earlie ones turned into to creat the new ones
+ i think you have to put it in time prospective - really what else came out in the 80s -
the ones int the rain are from today with the new headlight covers on and well they just dont look as good in the rain it takes away that hump in the hood line - ill take some more when its dry and it will be beautiful - just whish i had the cable to get the pics off my phone to the comp i have nice ones in there
70 yay!
77 parts
81 compressed parts
86 compressed it handles
00 mercury cougar omg wtf : \ girl has to have something to drive
- owned
74.5 why did i sell you
81 1st car $425 found out s130s dont handle stock
82 good
84 BMW 325e omg never again
Post Edited (Feb 26, 3:07pm)

i had a cherry 81zxt....68000 original miles...not a drop of rust in the whole car.....great little car...comfortable, good power....but the looks just didn't do it for me.

I used to not be much on Z31s, but I've started to come around after my dad bought an 86. We just had it painted and the body fixed and it looks really nice. I like all the stuff inside that was way high tech back in its day, like the digital dash, talking lady, the insanely adjustable seat.
I havent really driven it much, just the day we bought it. After the remaining work is done to it I'll know for sure if I like it or not, still needs a heater core, front struts, exhaust, and a few odds and ends. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna like it better than my lame boring Talon, so I'm trading straight up.
---
Justin T
72 240Z L28, 5-speed
77 280Z 5-speed (t-boned 8-25-04)
80 280ZX automatic(retired)

Its all a matter of personal likes/dislikes.
I own a 82zxt basically restored.
My brother owns a 87 na, he got it only because it was available and he needed a car. He cares little about it and it shows.
I have friends with like new 300zxs and they are beautiful, one friend bought a garaged 87 zxt with 9,000 miles (red) black interior for, 2,000.
In my book all Zs are nice, it just comes down to how there taken care of.
I would like one of each :)
82zxt /5sp /Fsm /Tools /Med Knowledge /Tampa /And a little Learned Luck.

thats what i think Phoneman and would also like at least 1 of each :P im still pissed i sold my 74 but one day ill get another :P
70 yay!
77 parts
81 compressed parts
86 compressed it handles
00 mercury cougar omg wtf : \ girl has to have something to drive
- owned
74.5 why did i sell you
81 1st car $425 found out s130s dont handle stock
82 good
84 BMW 325e omg never again
Post Edited (Feb 26, 3:12pm)

tonyD, is that you?
--Denver 6-29-1999 1st post.
82 280zxt 4 spd auto
73 240z--lsd, cv axles
ferget donations, I'm into blackmail.
spindle pin puller for sale.
I can't believe some people spend $15 on shifter bushings in the B trans

"I like all the stuff inside that was way high tech back in its day, like the digital dash, talking lady"
There was a talking lady in the z31???!!
'1996 Black NA 2+0

thats what i said last time something like this was posted - i think mine dosnt work due to aftermarket cd play installed which dosnt even work : \
if mine has one??
70 yay!
77 parts
81 compressed parts
86 compressed it handles
00 mercury cougar omg wtf : \ girl has to have something to drive
- owned
74.5 why did i sell you
81 1st car $425 found out s130s dont handle stock
82 good
84 BMW 325e omg never again

Another significant point to be made is that it was produced in the 80's. there aren't a whole lot of cars which came out of the 80's which are cherrished as great automotive masterpieces. The z31 has the same general lines as the corvette, porsche 944, supra, etc. I'm not saying that they copied anything at all, but there are several cars with similar looks.
I loved my z31, the interior was about as perfect as it gets in my opinion. (I however preferred the analog gauges, not the digital crap.) The z31 was heavy, and not really much of a horsepower frontrunner. but handling was still crisp and clean, ride was smooth, and had simple, yet elegant looks. I had the '88 which was a bit more streamlined.
there are also so few decent-looking z31's on the road, it's hard for people to notice and respect cars that all seem to be beaters.
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)

i think the talking lady was only in the digital dash versions, and maybe even an option at that. I believe he's referring to the audible voice for things like "dor ajar", etc., as opposed to the normal door chime sounds.
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)
Post Edited (Feb 26, 3:53pm)

i think owning one changes everything... i wasnt into s130's that much really, when i owned my s30.
when i first got mine, p/s didnt work, only riding on 3 brakes, huge rust holes, effed up exhuast manifold, and a leeeeeaky tranny.
i fought myself to even address any of it, but after ive grunted through all but the rust (holes covered in metal tape so water cant get in... welding in new junk in a few weeks!!), its growing on me.
im not sure anymore weather i want to buy a rusted out 78 and use the 79's heart for it, or finish the rustwork on the 79 and be happy with her. the car is a gem on the road, and is a joy to drive. ill get another s30 someday, but i dont think i should sacrifice the car anymore... shes just too much fun, and her character is starting to show!
77Z- (mfg. 7/77)
"Arm-chair Autox'er"


The 80's looks in general just didn't last. The 240/60/80's are classic and unique, the z32 a huge technological acheivement during their time and still hold their own in today's looks and performance catagories. The z31 does neither. I still think they are cool cars, definetely not my style though. Reminds me of fiero's and mk1's of the 80's.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT

"80's Looks" - so what?
I happen to like the wedge shape and I love long hoods and short rear decks.
Look at my signature and see those general shapes from the 40's to the 90's. It is nice to have a represntative of each era.
If I could I'd go back to have a car from 1910's through each decade. It's the newer "jelly bean shape" elongated VW bug type tyling I can't stand.
In 20 years retro-spective I might become enamored of the 350Z.
Right now I want a Z31 2+2 so grandson can enjoy the Z experience with me and Jeanne. I think the longer Z31 looks as good while it's practicle for what I need.
Right now the 92 Firebird fills that bill and no I don't have a mullet but I do forget to get hair cuts as often as I should.
Z's - It's all good!
Ed and Jeanne's
ZXelda 1981 280 ZXT: ZXena 1990 300 ZX
1941 Buick Special Sedanette (Betty)
1956 Dodge Royal (Dorothy)
1971 Buick Riviera (Rita)
1975 Ford F-150 Stepside (Fiona)
1992 Firebird (Frieda)

someguy on here says they look like saturns, what can i say.....they do, its mainly the looks, the 80's period was the worst for all cars, like said, corvettes, camaros, porsche, and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas

they are inbetween new looks and classic looks. give it a decade and the z31 will too become a classic. i think they look sexy like 1st gen rx7's
"THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO...."
-Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future
76, turbo
72, swap candidate
5/70, fixen to sell
my ebay auctions
http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmaterchan

I'm sure some people like the z31, otherwise no one would own any of them. However, in today's automotive society, the 80's just aren't that popular like said before, the vettes looked crappy, the mustangs did, z's did to some, mr2's did, etc. I like the look of FC's myself. As time goes on, perhaps this will shift.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT

Personally, I like 'em -- I like the s30's better -- but I feel the z33 (350z) is the true blacksheep bastard of the family (as my girlfriend now affectionately calls them when we pass them)
"Hey Look! it's another bastard child!"
"The Z's disease won't make anything turn black, wither, and fall off, nor turn cancerous." - Tony D
"Take it to a track where BOTH drivers mean business or it's just one sided mechanical masterbation." - Hybrid77z

I'm sure one factor that goes into the dislike of the z31 vs. 280ZX & before is they aren't as easy to work on.
The creature comfort angle is what got me interested in them. I had 5 280ZXs over the years, and it has gotten to the point where finding a rust-free one is not easy -- especially in the Midwest. No, my 300 ZX isn't rust free, but is in far better shape than the last 280ZX I had.
I just go back to the FACT that it is still a Z and I don't give a fat rat's arse what anybody else thinks.
Remember, it's always easier to criticize what you don't understand.
Roger
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Quad Cab
1986 300ZX 2+2 NA 5spd
It's funny until someone gets hurt. Then, it's hilarious!
Post Edited (Feb 26, 7:26pm)

I agree with materchan, Z31's are fast becoming rare classics especially here in Australia. Z32's are so common here and they definately wont make it to true classic status as the Z31's will. Also over here Z's pre-Z31 are junkers and they're not worth much at all unless it's a mint condition, 100% stock 240Z which are next to impossible to find. I have my NA Z31 insured for more than my friends R32 Skyline, and more than another friends Imported R31 Skyline. Might not be the case in the USA because they released so many Z31's but all I care about is that the Z31 was the first in the series of Z3# and in 10 years time they're going to be worth more than just about any other Z built and released here in Australia.
The only people who really bash Z31's are 70-83 Z owners, why? I dont know. Maybe they hate all the bells and whistles that the Z31 came with. I agree with what someone said above, 350Z's are the true bastard child of the Z family because it just doesnt look like a Z should look in my opinion.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

Datto, i love you
I AM THE ONE who always says that 300zx's look like saturns.
Im glad to hear someone agree.
by the way, i happen to like the late 80's turbos, i was just stating a fact.
youth is wasted on the young

:)
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas

A lot of good points there.....
I mean, i dont care whether people like them or not, I still love mine (ratty as it might be!). I personally think if the 280ZX had not been released, the z31 would have been more succesful. I like the 280ZX, but I dont see it as that big an improvement over the old s30's--the z31 would have been a more radical improvement (luxurious, somewhat sporty, V6 instead of I-6, turbo charger, etc); if not an improvement, at least it would have been a successor. Those whole working on them aspect is kinda true, but that is also consistent with anything that is newer. The z31 can be a pain to work on, but it is a walk in the park compared to the Z32, for example.
Besides, 80's do have some good looking cars--mk3 Supra, 2nd gen RX7, and300ZX Shiro Edition:)
1985 Nissan 300ZX Turbo "Rose": 85000 miles, 5 Speed, Red/white exterior, Burgundy Interior
Mods: 87 digital dash, 240SX front parking lights

Everyone I've spoken to here in Australia of age who was around back in the 80s says the Z31 was the "bees knees" of sports cars at the time, I personally haven't heard such remarks regarding other Z cars. Being a fuel injected V6 was just awesome technology especially for the time, the Z31 is a real milestone in engineering and that's what will give it lasting power in the long run. Only time will tell though :)
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
Post Edited (Feb 26, 7:59pm)

Hey, Sheriff John Bunell thinks theyre a "powerful japanese sports car!"
I would definitely like to own one, theyre cool in the '80s japanese, battle-cyborg styling sort of way.
'73 Turbo, not much stock. Sold now... :-(

There you have it, it's always the old school Z owners... I wonder why? I think they're scared of being passed over as the classic Z car in a decades time maybe? lol j/k :)
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

Hey! I said I like em! I can't help it if they look a little goofy! I would definitely own one if I had the extra scratch. I think they are very capable, attractive looking cars, theyre just different than the classical looks of the S30's.
'73 Turbo, not much stock. Sold now... :-(

I guess it's a matter of opinion, but the S30's arent exactly original looking. Very european influenced as I've read on here many times, some older models of porsche/ferrari etc look VERY similar and people around here have claimed that Nissan were extremely influenced by them.
With that said I dont really hate any Z and people that only like the particular Z they own aren't true Z enthusiasts in my opinion.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
Post Edited (Feb 26, 10:46pm)

I wholeheartedly agree with what you said 85zx. Thats why I call the S30's looks classical, it resembles the european sports car which I think looks absolutely gorgeous. The Z31 takes the modern styling of the '80s and there is nothing wrong with that either. I think its fair to say that all the Z's were influenced by the design of the cars produced in their era. The S30 to the european sports car, the S130 as the modernization of that design, the Z31 as a total japanese '80s modern overhaul, the Z32 as the '90s update of the same styling trends (ahead of its time in my opinion) and the Z33 going back to the European style (can you say Audi TT). Their all very cool, but the Z31's looks just seem more catalyzing than the others.
'73 Turbo, not much stock. Sold now... :-(

I would agree with you clutchman on al but the z32. That design seemed to stand out by itself in 1989-90. I can't really think of any cars that resemble a z32 during those years. Once the Supras and RX7's updated a few years later, the styling cues are copied, but the z32's lines and inspiration don't seem to emulate any other cars in the late 80's and early 90's.
The z31's look from the front like the porsche 944's and the Corvettes. Especially with the placement of the turn signals and the flip-up headlights. The s30, etc resemble the Euro cars as previously noted, same with the z33.
But the z32 truly seems to be on the forefront of design for the 1989 styling of cars. Unless I am missing a car from before then that the z32 can be compared closely with.
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)

Everyone says the Z32 looks almost identical to Saturns, we dont get them here though so I dunno... I guess by photos they do look very similar, and both came out around the same time.
Here Z32's are the ricers choice, all NA's with big stupid wings and ugly bodykits painted in metal flake and not worth anything.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

Somehow I seriously doubt that nissan engineers were looking to the saturn for any type of inspiration whatsoever. Unless they wanted to learn how to build a mediocre piece of GM crap!! then it woulda been a great example!
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)

Yeah, I should have been more clear with the Z32, thats what I intended to say but it wasn't communicated very well. When I said it was ahead of its time I should have said it was the influence of cars of its era. Anyways, all Z's are awesome, bottom line.
'73 Turbo, not much stock. Sold now... :-(

2nd^^ ;-)
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)

I was thinking the same thing.
And you KNOW the title of the response I was going to use, don't you?
Muahahahahaha!
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"

Absolutely, we can all agree on that one and if you cant you shouldn't be here :)
I'd love a totally stock 240Z, and I'd also love a stock "looking" Z32 twin turbo sleeper to smoke all the jackasses around here ruining a nice car with crappy metal flake paint and silly wings.
Long live the Z!
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

are you guys ******* serious
someguy on here says they look like saturns, what can i say.....they do
you guys apperantly cant see **** that is quite possibly the most retarded thing i have ever red on this bord
70 yay!
77 parts
81 compressed parts
86 compressed it handles
00 mercury cougar omg wtf : \ girl has to have something to drive
- owned
74.5 why did i sell you
81 1st car $425 found out s130s dont handle stock
82 good
84 BMW 325e omg never again

your whole premis is wrong, the z31 is NOT hated at all.
it's just that when given the chioce of any z car ever built that the z31 is chosen last. it's not hated, it's just not that desireable.
if you had the choice between being given a nice 240z, a nice z31 or a nice 350z, which one would you choose?

"your whole premis is wrong, the z31 is NOT hated at all.
it's just that when given the chioce of any z car ever built that the z31 is chosen last. it's not hated, it's just not that desireable."
This is the difference between a rational generation where opinion was values, and words meant things, and today.
The language has become so watered down, and people so sentitized to their FEELINGS instead of rational assessment of a situation that they result in using words like "Hate" and "Racisim" over items that are not nearly whet they are blowing them out of porportion into!
You are exactly correct, usually the Z31 is chosen last. A bland styling, mediochre designed by committee, and a totally lost market demographic all contribute to it's lack of popularity.
The costs of the Z32 are now in the range of people on the bottom rung of the feeding chain, and they are snapping them up left and right.
The Z31, on the other hand, will be relegated to the bin of history because of it's poor sales and lack of direction.
This was all enumerated in another post long ago. The best-selling mass-market Z of all time was the 1979 280ZX. After that, it's an S30. Coming in maybe a third place through default is not a great sign of "love of the marque"...
It's a sign of a company that lost it's way!
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"

"will be relegated to the bin of history because of it's poor sales"
Poor sales? I didn't realize that 268,485 z31's from 84-89 were poor sales...how many 1979 280zx's were sold?

more that 80,000 in one year is a good number.
79 280ZX -The best selling sports car of all time

love the Z31.its an excellent roadcar even today.and like many,when i first saw it,i didnt care for the looks(then again,i didnt like the looks of the Z32 either).but after driving one,i had to change my mind.i took a 1000 mile drive in a Z31 turbo and loved every minute of it.
now ive been to Z meets all over the US,and i see the Z31 faithful that travel great distances.i see the Z32 guys that travel from great distances.and of course,i see the 350Z guys at every run and track event. but what puzzles me is the number of first gen guys who act hardcore and say things about the Z31 not being a real Z and its a watered down GT car.i see the 31 guys...but where are you first gen guys?when it comes to a real drive,the first gens are almost always MIA. there are only a handful of you first gen guys that are truly hardcore.the rest rather just talk about cars.
does all the negative ZX talk make you feel better about your lack of stones?
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"

"not being a real Z"
that is a valid perspective. it threw away the bullet proof straight 6, sugar scoop headlights, and other styling queues that made a "z" a "z" for all the previous 15 years. it was such a different car than the previous z's that many see it as a z in name only. so yea, it was not a "real z" when people think of the old z cars.
the same is said about the mustang II.
a radical change that alienated the original following. the mustang II was a good car with the german v6 and a 5 speed, just "not a real mustang" to the enthusiasts.
if you could have any old mustang, would you choose a mustang II ?
79 280ZX -The best selling sports car of all time
Post Edited (Feb 27, 9:09am)

so an enthusiast wouldnt own a Z31?
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"

Is the z31 the black sheep of the Z car family? There’s no reason for it if it is. 1984-89 300ZX models were expensive during its day but evidently it sold well despite its high price tag. So why do people dislike the z31? Some think the car’s ugly with its half hidden headlights that make it appear like the car is half asleep. Or is it half awake? Some feel that the car strayed away from its roots as a sports GT car to become more of a luxury car with its digital dashboard and voice warning system. Some of those people are auto magazine editors who give the car short shrift in their publications. It was designed to be a conservative update of the 280ZX. Therefore anyone who likes the 280ZX would like the z31 and anyone who doesn’t like the 280ZX wouldn’t like the z31.
I think the same situation exists for other cars with long lineages that span many decades and undergo many redesigns. Take the Ford Mustang and Thunderbird. Some Mustang and T-bird model years are more popular and desirable than others.
Post Edited (Feb 27, 9:24am)

"so an enthusiast wouldnt own a Z31?"
that makes no sense (since a z31 enthusiast would obviously own a z31).
a z enthusiast (in the general use of the word) seek out the older cars preferentially over newer cars. the older cars have more historical significance so they are sought after. given the choice between a z31 and a 1969 serial number 40 car, the z enthusiast would go for the more significant car.

"bullet proof straight 6"
What do you have against the VG30E(T)?

i have a 83 zxt and a 88 300zx turbo ss limited i love both alot but for me id rather the 280zxt anyday of the week i like those lines better but i still love both of my cars

"What do you have against the VG30E(T)?"
that's the crux of the problem.
i never said anything against that engine.
just because a positive is mentioned about one thing, people assume that a negaive about something else was implied.
grow up, you sounds like a 4 year old getting upset that a brother got a compliment.

I always thought the Z31 was a glorified S130. I thought both of those generations were pointless cars. They were shooting for a luxury GT when they already had one in the Skyline. Was the Z31 and S130 meant to be a purely American market car? Maybe the Z31 was the reason the Silvia models suddenly skyrocketed in sales in the 80s.
1971 240Z
"Fear is exciting for me." -Ayrton Senna

"I thought both of those generations were pointless cars."
my 79zx was lighter that the 280z it replaced, much more aerodynamic, better 4 wheel disk brakes, stiffer chassis, headlights that were actually bright, much improved a/c and ventilation system, and it had a much better electrical design.
i don't consider all those improvements (and making it lighter to boot) a "pointless" generation since they addressed most of the s30 quirks and left the styling basically intact. too bad they continued to gain weight.

Since we are on the subject, is there any reason the 240SX hatchback looks soo much like a z31? I mean, it really looks like a cleaner, smaller version of the the z31. It definitely would be my second choice for a car if I didnt have the z....
1985 Nissan 300ZX Turbo "Rose": 85000 miles, 5 Speed, Red/white exterior, Burgundy Interior
Mods: 87 digital dash, 240SX front parking lights

i agree tkr, my 79 is a different world form my 280z, yet it still has that "Z" feeling... and god i love it.
i miss my 280... and would be pleased to own another 1st gen... just something in its own world, and a hoot to drive today... not many left!
and i absoultely LOVE 87-89 Z31's... i like the rear taillights, and how much cleaner it looked from the 84-86's.
also, id kill for a Z32... they are second to my fav. Zcar...
hell... either way, i love the Z's... each one captured their own designs from their own eras... and look damn good doing so!
77Z- (mfg. 7/77)
"Arm-chair Autox'er"


85zx, dont know what Australia your looking at but Z31s are rare here cause they not that good. There is one forsale I saw that is going for 3g, less than what most of the early model s30's are going for. I just dont like the look of them, and to be honost its one z I'm glad I dont ever see.
1990 300zx TT Manual (2 Seater)
Sold - 1976 260z 2+2 Turbo, I'll miss you ol friend.

Once again it's always the old school Z owners dissing Z31s, and yes you can buy cheap Z's here but they're all shot to sh!t with tons of miles on the clock.
This whole argument is moot, it's just going to end up with book length Tony D posts that nobody reads and all the older Z owners saying how much Z31s suck.
Whatever way you look at it you guys are driving Datsuns :P Not even a Nissan Z, so get off the Z31's back you monkeys. We have different tastes, big deal. If we came on here starting to talk sh!t about the older Z's, the post originator would get flamed to hell and back. You old fogies have different tastes, when ya'll in your rocking chair knitting sweaters for your grandkids we'll still be getting around in Z31s :P
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

Old fogies? Im 16 and the z31 is my least favorite Z. The comes the z32. Stock the z32 just looks too plain. Personally (maybe biased) I like the 280zx.
So it has nothing to do with personal tastes.
Things makes me remember a little story I have There is a shop in town where a bunch of 18 yr olds work in a plaza with a pizza place. They were all standing outside looking at their cars (A prelude, z31 and z32) I casually pulled up next to the z 31 and walked into the pizza place while watching out the window as they moved towards my 280zx.
Talk about old tastes all you want but theres examples of a couple teens that apreciate the older Z's more.
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Red 83 280zx 2+2
83 280zx Coupe SOLD
1st post 11/13/04

Yeah no doubt, everyone has thier own personal tastes. My point was if someone came on here dissing Datsuns then you wouldn't hear the end of it. As soon as someone steps up in defense of the Z31 all the old Z owners come out of the word works and start to talk sh!t which is just plain stupid.
We like our car, and we dont care what some self-righteous idiot has to say about it. You dont see us coming on here dissing the earlier Z's out of respect for people who own them, and the fact that it's still a Z. Too bad some people around here are too pig headed to return the favor just because our tastes differ.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

if I wanted a tiny rustbucket car with 70s technology I wouldve bought a earlier Z. I picked the Z31 because I prefer Grand Tourers with a little luxury and power with its sport rather then pure, bare-bones sports cars. The Z31 is a bit soft stock but that is easily fixed with a few suspension mods.
88 300ZX Turbo Shiro Special (SS): K&N filter, HKS Exhaust.
God created Turbo lag so V8's could stand a chance.

Noone is talkin sh!t about z31's... This thread was started asking why are they hated.. and people give their resons for why they don't like them as much as other Z's. Very Simple
"if I wanted a tiny rustbucket car with 70s technology I wouldve bought a earlier Z."--- No that is completely uncalled for. When your z31's are 30 years old... you see how much rust their is. Jap metal is Jap metal. All their is to it. Now "85zx" you say noone is talking sh!t about ealrier Z's?
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Red 83 280zx 2+2
83 280zx Coupe SOLD
1st post 11/13/04

lol, Datsun280zx, you just contradicted yourself. You said maybe you're biased. .then you said it has nothing to do with personal tastes.
That story doesn't prove/disprove anything either. I've had tons more people look at my z32 and make comments than I did on my z31. 99% of high school kids don't even know what a 280zx is, let alone "appreciate" it. This whole thread is based on PERSONAL PREFERENCE. There are attributes I can pick from EVERY Z that I like, and some that I don't.
I love the 240's, but think a v8 swap would be more my alley since I crave more power than the I-6 gave. The 280zx's had lots of character,were lighter, and had creature comforts that I like, however I don't enjoy the huge bumpers on it. The z31 had smooth lines, although plain, and the best seats out of ANY YEAR Z. The interior of the z31 is by far my favorite, but the extra weight takes away from it. The z32 is heavier still, but the performance in handling and acceleration overshadows every other Z model. I don't like the extent of the electronics needed to keep a z32 running, but it's just the cost of z32 performance.
There are things we can like and dislike about every Z, but in the end it only amounts to piles and piles of PERSONAL OPINION.
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)

;-)
--Denver 6-29-1999 1st post.
82 280zxt 4 spd auto
73 240z--lsd, cv axles
ferget donations, I'm into blackmail.
spindle pin puller for sale.
I can't believe some people spend $15 on shifter bushings in the B trans

perhaps it's not the z31 that people dislike so much, it's just the winney z31 owners that continually say " quit saying my car is ugly". enough already. who cares. if you own the car, why care what others think?

I'm getting a Z32 soon, so dont just say its the old z owners. Its everyone.
1990 300zx TT Manual (2 Seater)
Sold - 1976 260z 2+2 Turbo, I'll miss you ol friend.

> Now "85zx" you say noone is talking sh!t about ealrier Z's?
Haha, noone was before until ya'll started spouting off but you guys get just as insulted as we do so now you know how it feels! :)
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

hahahaha thats the thing....you cant talk mess about older z's there just too good looking =)
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas

Good luck trying to find your girlfriend with it haha...
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project

que?
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas

"Good luck trying to find your girlfriend with it haha..."
Like I said above: "Penile Ability Compensationmobile"
I picked up my girlfriend in a Primer Spotted 62 VW Microbus, from a guy with a hot new Trans Am.
My dick was bigger, I didn't need the Trans Am, nor did I need the Corvette.
I bought the Z because it was faster than my Carina, and didn't keep seizing the rods every time I took it over 7000rpms.
Not to troll for chicks, like some misadjusted, impotent Peacock with wilted feathers!
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"
Post Edited (Mar 1, 4:33pm)

If 331,737 is the mark (of the 280ZX over five years)
Then YES, 268,485 IS poor sales.
The numbers don't lie! Look at the trends in sales, and you see the early series stayed STEADY, but each of the models AFTER the 280ZX declined SHARPLY after their introduction.
Indicating it was a "flash in the pan" design, and not a true classic.
As much as people hate to admit it, the 1979 280ZX is, was, and probably always will be the best selling Z-Car of all time!
Over 80K sold. Nothing even comes close.
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"