240Z VS 280Z - value, qualities, etc...

[Evil Turkey]

Hi,

I've been a Z enthusiast for quite a while now and bought my first Z a while ago. As some of you might remember from the photos, it was done for, rusted beyond repair. I didn't want to admit it at first but soon I realized it really was dead so I scavenged some parts before selling the rest to another Z enthusiast.

So now I want to get back in the game with a decent project so I was looking at some Z's for sale and one question appeared:

240Z or 280Z?

I'm aware of the differences between the two so what I'm asking is mostly your opinion on these.

I guess the value of a 240Z is higher because of the rarity (I know fewer 240Z's were produced) but is there a specific reason why I might want to buy a 240Z that might be in worse shape than a 280Z for the same price? Do you think the "improvements" done to the 280Z's make it a far superior car?

Thanks!

By the way, I'm a driver, not a collector. I'm aiming for a long term restoration project but first and foremost I want it to be a fun daily drive that I could eventually use at the race track now and then.

Edited November 27, 2010 by Evil Turkey

[IdahoKidd]

As a driver, either will do. In my opinion, and I have both, the 280 is more reliable as far as turn key start and drive. 90% of the viewing public can't tell the difference from the sidewalk in appearance. As far as value goes, it seems to me that a 240 and a 280 in identical shape, neither being a show car, are worth about the same money. Get either in good condition and you'll be fine. And, by the way, it is incredibly easy to dump way more money into either than you can ever hope to recover, so buy it to suit youself.

[cygnusx1]

I have both also, and I find that I enjoy the nimbleness of the 240Z resulting from the lower weight and the quicker steering ratio. My 280Z has A/C, and definitely has a more solid sound when the doors are shutting. It also has significantly less wind and road noise. For long trips, more comfort, quietness, reliability, and with an edge on safety, the 280Z wins. For a more raw driving experience, NVH, and razor handling, the 240Z wins. Styling, solely due to the factory bumper design, the 240Z wins again. I also prefer the 240Z wooden wheel, simplistic interior treatments, and overall "simpleness". One thing that I can't get used to is the lack of HVAC control lighting in the 240Z. I can never find the right levers in the dark. They are illuminated in the 280Z. I think the two weigh about 400-500lbs or so apart. Not exactly sure. The 280 is slightly more "upgrade ready" if you are going to get into higher horsepower in the 300hp+ ranges due to the R200 diff and its beefier axles. There are many structural differences underneath the two cars. The 280Z is built with more metal, more gussets, larger frame rails, more bracing, and possibly thicker metal in places.

[FastWoman]

The 280 is probably the better daily driver for reasons stated. It also has that mid/late 70's look that not everyone appreciates (but I do).

In addition to all of the above points raised by Dave and Leonard, I believe the carbureted fuel system of the 240/260 is more vulnerable to the corrosive effects of ethanol gasoline than the EFI fuel system of the 280, as the EFI has no ventillation ports to let in atmospheric moisture.

[cozye]

I've never owned a 240, but personally I like the styling a bit more. Even the hub caps are more appealing to me. That being said however, I think solid 280's are easier to come by as the 240's seemed to be more susceptible to rust. The 280 will get you .4L more displacement. And if you ditch the big bumpers on the 280, it has that simpler 240 look as well. If you dump the bumpers on the 280 you will be closer in the weight difference as well.

I think you should ask yourself two questions. Do you want EFI, or carbs ? Do you want a stock restoration, or customize?

It irk's be a bit to see people chop up 240's. I think the solid examples are rare enough that they deserve a stock restoration.

I'd say look for either, and when you find the right car whether it's a 240 or 280, then get it! Be willing to pay double for a solid car rather than trying to save money up front on a basket case. You will come out a lot further ahead paying an extra $1500 for a car with little rust, as you probably already know.

[SportBikeMike]

I have one of each, and despite the similiar appearance, they are night and day as far as sitting in and driving. By the time the 280Z came along, Datsun had already started designing the Z to be more of a sport-tourer than a flat-out sports car. This, of course, culminated with the intro of the 280ZX in '79.

Like others have touched on, the 240Z is more of a raw sports car whereas the 280Z is designed more for comfort. Of course the 280Z has the advantage of fuel injection. If I had to pick one for a daily driver, I'd probably go for the 280.....and then get a 240 for a weekend toy.

Lookswise, they're about the same (my 280Z has had the bumpers removed)....they both get tons of positive attention, especially from teenagers (well, except my dorky niece who likes the Nissan Cube :stupid:).

[Powderkeg]

I don't know what the smog requirements are in your area but it may be easier to own a 240 than a 280Z.

I have a 76 280Z and live in California and for that reason alone I'd rather have a 240 or a 260. I'm also not that optimistic about the smog rules getting more favorable with the election of Jerry Brown. I hope I'm wrong.

Also some parts are much easier to get for a 240Z: Fuel tank filler tubes, sending units, and more importantly Dave Irwin's electrical products are readily available for 240Z's.

Dave Ruiz

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[Evil Turkey]

Thanks to all, I think that pretty much tells me what I wanted to know.

I think I might like the raw feel of the 240Z aswell as the fact that I find carbs to be much easier to work on. The 240Z's simple design and lack of "complicated" luxury add-ons might make this an easier restoration but then again, I like the idea of getting a bit more punch from a 2.8L engine with the possibility of a 5 speed MT.

I guess I'll just wait to find the one that will suit my needs... Seeing how winter is already here, I guess I cannot "safely" import a Z car from the US due to the corrosion and winter tire factors (I would buy one that is driveable instead of having to tow it)

[cygnusx1]

Personally, I would not sweat the difference in engine sizes. In fact the 240Z may be quicker, due to it's lighter weight. Also the motor rev's nicer and feels livelier with the carbs and smaller displacement. Adding liters was a band-aid to cover up weight.

Edited November 27, 2010 by cygnusx1

[TomoHawk]

Have you looked at the 260Z? They are indeed a rare model as they were only made for one year and the 240Z was made for three (or four) It is in between the 240Z and 280 in weight and you could probably do whatever you want with the engine(carbs or E.F.I.)

[colinc]

Have you looked at the 260Z? They are indeed a rare model as they were only made for one year and the 240Z was made for three (or four) It is in between the 240Z and 280 in weight and you could probably do whatever you want with the engine(carbs or E.F.I.)

I agree with TomoHawk (of course I own a 260z). The 260z was manufactured from 08/73 -08/74. The earlier versions (08/73 - 06/74) retain more 240z features than the later ones. I actually lucked out when I bought my 260 as the PO swapped out the engine with a combination of an L28 block with an E31 head (from a 70 L24). He also put in 4 screw round top SU carbs. A nice combination.

Good luck with your decision.

Edited November 28, 2010 by colinc

[TomoHawk]

The 260Z has a bumper that's skinnier than the 280Z and the ends are curved as if they wrapped around the corner.