240Z vs. 280Z

[rbates]

78zcar-blue - great job on the car (love the color), just wondering what shocks and springs you are using ..she seems to be sitting quite high.

[78zcar_blue]

Those are the factory springs, I agree it is setting a little high but don't mind it due to the road I travel on.

[Stanley]

I'm into my 240Z but would also like a roadster, a 510, a Kenmeri, a 200sx, a twin-turbo 300zx, a 2013 GTR, and that's just the Nissans. Oh yeah, a Zero, a mig 15, and a P-51.

Point is, can't have everything. Old cars are individuals, depends on how you like that particular car, not just the model.

[Oiluj]

So do you want bragging rights, or a cool retro fast car?

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Regarding keeping "stock" as an investment, or doing a resto-mod, Walter captured it very succinctly in the line above, as did Fast Woman and others.

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My car is a resto-mod, and I really like it that way. Being a 240, technologically speaking, it's a bit less sophisticated car than the 280 and slightly less comfortable. It's a bit noisy with only rudimentary seat adjustments, no power steering, brakes, or windows. Both cars are relatively poor music platforms, but that's OK as the engine is the best music on a curvy road.

I absolutely LOVE driving my 240Z. There is a sense of connection with the road and a visceral quality to the driving experience, much like early British sports cars of the same era. I think the 280 "feels" slightly heavier and a bit less agile in the corners, but is a smoother, more comfortable car for daily driving.

Both are great cars. Find the one YOU like and enjoy it!

[TomoHawk]

I agree totally with you Julio, although I've never driven a 240Z. The 280Z did "feel" kinda heavy from any car I've ever driven, but you get used to it and adjust your technique to compensate.

But the visceral quality is one I learned from cycling, and it is what makes the 280Z the car I would pick over any car you can get today; most being over 3,500 LBS. or 1000 LBs. heavier than my 280Z.

BTW- my road bike weighs only 20 LBs., compared to the 42 LBs. of the mountain bike.

[hr369]

I just sold one of my 78's for 8000$

and from the looks of this graph

on recent sales they are going up.

Searching Auctions for Datsun 280Z | Keith Martin's Collector Car Price Tracker

If you're looking at it from an investment standpoint don't invest

20k into 1 car. Buy 4 5000$ cars

and keep them stock.

240z prices appear to be flat on the other hand.

Searching Auctions for Datsun 240Z | Keith Martin's Collector Car Price Tracker

Edited December 1, 2013 by hr369

[siteunseen]

I want to say the seat belts on 240s are a pain in the rear, non-retractable. Once your buckled up you can't even change the radio station. In the 280 I can reach over and get a drink out of my cooler in the passenger's floor board.

[HaZmatt]

I just sold one of my 78's for 8000$

and from the looks of this graph

on recent sales they are going up.

Searching Auctions for Datsun 280Z | Keith Martin's Collector Car Price Tracker

If you're looking at it from an investment standpoint don't invest

20k into 1 car. Buy 4 5000$ cars

and keep them stock.

240z prices appear to be flat on the other hand.

Searching Auctions for Datsun 240Z | Keith Martin's Collector Car Price Tracker

Good to know. Thanks for the link! Glad to see the value on these cars going up, I've decided to stick with the 280. I'm definitely not doing it as an investment but its good to see it will at least hold some value when i'm done with it.

[FastWoman]

its good to see it will at least hold some value when i'm done with it.

Well, that's the thing about any car that's reached a certain age, whether a collectable car or not: It holds its value. That doesn't mean it won't deteriorate, and you do have to keep up with inevitable deterioration. However, it won't depreciate, and it may even appreciate if it's a car like a 240 or 280.

We bought a '94 Miata a few years ago for $4000, we've enjoyed it, and we could sell it today for $4000. The early Miatas are about at their trough in value -- old enough to be old, but only beginning to be a tiny bit collectible. The 240Z and 280Z are a bit farther along on that curve.

This is in contrast with my '92 Saturn, which doesn't have the same collectible potential. It continues to decline very slowly in value, being worth essentially whatever an old, well-running car will bring.

[tamo3]

I want to say the seat belts on 240s are a pain in the rear, non-retractable. Once your buckled up you can't even change the radio station. In the 280 I can reach over and get a drink out of my cooler in the passenger's floor board.

I totally agree with you! '72 240z seat belt is horrible.

That's why I purchase '73 240z retractable seat belt to upgrade onto my '72 240z, but I sold my 240z...

Anyone wanna buy '73 retractable seat belt?

'73 240z retractable seat belt for sale

[siteunseen]

Is it like this, Motorsport! SALE! Seat Belt, Retractable Lap & Shoulder, One Side, 70-73 240Z - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts If so how much? Your classified link gave me "error 404". I've been trying to figure out one that will work from a junkyard car. Older Altima or something.

[tamo3]

Sorry.

Somehow it was not active listing.

Here you go.

'73 240z seat belts set, 1973, $ 50.00, Interior, $ 50.00, 240z