How good is the 1978-81 Datsun 510? I've been thinking alot about those cars and I have to admit that they're one of the better Japanese imports from the 70's/early 80's, from what I heard from the owners, they seem to really like their 510's, I prefer the second generation 510's over the first generation.

 

I remember the first 510, but I can't even picture the later one. First 510 was a heck of a car- IRS in an econobox was unheard of in the 70's.

 

Their biggest issue would be RUST, after that the general lack of power for 70+ MPH freeway driving. The Datsuns of the 70s and very early 80s had big issues with salt and seemed to rust even faster then cheaper American vehicles. If you can find one in decent shape and you're looking at for an in city commuter vehicle they'd be just fine. The powertrain will outlast the body, and they get incredible fuel mileage for a carbed engine.

 

Yes, the Datsun 510 (first generation - 1970) was a great little car. the 1600CC 4 cyl. engine was a chain driven SOHC copied by the Japanese from the 4 cyl. engine from the old Mercedes 190SL.

 

The 510 you're thinking of is a bit fugly IMO. I like the 69 myself. But, if you think about it, and follow the models, the 510 ends up being a Maxima.

 

70 Datsun B210, AKA The Rat, 86'd the passenger seat, nice and roomie, started to shimmie about 45 MPH. Drove the piece for 50,000 after the 120,000 it came with. Sold for $100 Nice Drive.

Hyside.

 

My grannie had a tudor coupe and a couple of station wagons that seemed to run forever without any problems.

 

The 510, imo, had it's moment in the sun when it stood out from the generally crappy offerings of it's time and shortly thereafter. There are now small cars that run better, don't rust, go around corners, start every time etc etc. A 510 in good shape would be cool, but not really cool........

 

I have always wanted to put a smallblock in one of those things. I saw one the other day with a blown something or another flyin down the freeway at what seemed to be 95 mph.

 

a guy in dallas has one built up with an rb20det (that is a turbo twin cam inline 6) from a Nissan Skyline GT-S, that thing is hella fast!!!! and you couldn't tell from the outside (aside from the wheels) that anything has been done to it. it is white, and maaaaaan is it cool.

 

Actually, the 510 later became the Stanza, Maxima later replaced the bigger 810.

 

I hear that they rust pretty easily and they're a bit low on power, especially with the automatic tranny's, my former babysitter uses to own a 1980 510 station wagon with a stick shift, you rarely see those around.