Nissan 300zx Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Sep 09, 2020

Over the years, Nissan has been known to produce cars that have been supremely competitive and revitalizing. Given their weary past when they were just doing okay, to years later when they started making some of the most iconic cars there is. The story of the company can be compared to that of the mythical Phoenix, which is born from ashes as a majestic beast.

 

Take a look at the Nissan Skyline range or the sleek 240SX. Then there is the Maxima and the Axxess minivan, all proof that the company understands the market and leaves no leaf unturned to deliver the best. In this article, we look at the Nissan 300ZX range, and the two generations that it offers.

 

The Nissan 300ZX proved to be extraordinarily successful for the company and helped revitalize the Nissan’s Z-series sports cars. There were multiple variants and body styles sold to different markets. They all have muscular styling, four-wheel drive, and V6 engines.

 

Nissan 300ZX belongs to the Z-car sports car family, produced over two generations. We will be discussing the two generations in the next sections. In the local Japanese market, the car was sold under the name of the Nissan Fairlady 300ZX.

 

The name was carried forward from the 280Z, while the X is added to denote the various luxury features in the cars. The first generation was called the Nissan 300ZX Z31 which was in production from 1983 to 1989. The second generation soon after, with better design and technology.

 

Even though the Z31 was extraordinarily successful in the international market, it was the Z32 that bagged the most titles. Car and Driver magazine featured the Z32 in their top ten list for back to back seven years. Motor Trend also awarded the Z32 as the Import Car of the Year in 1990. It was later replaced by the Nissan 350Z in 2003.

 

Nissan 300ZX Z31:

The Z31 was introduced in 1983 and was revealed as the Nissan/Datsun 300ZX. It carried both the Datsun and Nissan badge on the hatch lid. It was years later when Nissan dropped the Datsun name and marketed the car like the Nissan 300ZX worldwide. It offered better performance as well as increased power when compared to the 280ZX. The body was designed for better aerodynamics, utilizing a V6 engine rather than the typical inline 6 engine.

 

The Australian version of the Z31 was an all 2+2 T-top body. The initial models utilized naturally aspirated engines with no catalytic converters. Later, the Nissan 300ZX twin-turbo was the only one available for subsequent years. There was only one trim level with some standard features. These included leather seats, climate control, and a digital dashboard, all optional.

 

Nissan 300ZX Z32:

The Z32 came with a completely revamped design and was revealed in 1986. The body saw some major changes, such as a rounder profile and fewer edges. It could reach 0-60 mph in just over five seconds, with a top speed of 249 km/h.

 

In 1990, the Z32 reached one million sales making it the best-selling sports car at that time. In the Australian market, the Z32 was offered with a 2+2 T-top and available in the market from 1990 to 1995.

 

Engine Variants:

In reference to the Nissan 300ZX Z31, which was designed by the Japanese genius Kazumasu Takagi. It offered better performance as well as increased power when compared to the 280ZX. The body was designed for better aerodynamics, utilizing a V6 engine rather than the typical inline 6 engine.

 

A total of five engine variants were offered, which are as following:

✓ 2.0-litre VG20ET V6 Turbo (200Z, 200ZG, 200ZS)

✓ 2.0-litre RB20DET I6 Turbo (200ZR)

✓ 3.0-litre VG30E V6 (300ZX)

✓ 3.0-litre VG30ET V6 Turbo (300ZX Turbo)

✓ 3.0-litre VG30DE V6 (300ZR)

 

The car was available with a variety of five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission.

 

Nissan 300ZX Specs and Performance:

All Z31 300ZXs came equipped with a Nissan R200 back differential. However, turbo models created after April 1987 accompanied a grip restricted slip differential. The main exemption to this was the Shiro Special, which accompanied a Viscous-type restricted slip diff.

 

Nissan based the Z31's case off its predecessor, the 280ZX. While the new frame had a similar wheelbase and MacPherson suspension framework, it dealt with far superior to the past vehicle. Quickening was significantly better too, on account of the new line of motors and the refreshed case structure. All turbo models, except for the Shiro Special, included 3-way electronically flexible stuns.

 

Features:

For a car from the previous generation, it came well equipped with features and specs. A body sonic sound system was applied that used a separate amplifier and speakers for the front seats. This made it possible for the front passengers to truly appreciate the bass and sound quality. You could also get installed a fully digital climate control system.

 

The Nissan 300ZX was also fitted with a digital gauge cluster with a voice warning system. The system alerted the driver to problems such as low fuel or if a door is not properly closed.

 

Price:

Depending on the trim level you choose, the price differs for the Nissan 300ZX. The price can also vary depending on the year the model was manufactured. Nonetheless, you can get your hands on a 300ZX as low as AUD 7,000 and as much as AUD 12,000.

 

Final Verdict:

We tried to completely cover all the aspects of the Nissan 300ZX twin-turbo in this article. We covered most of the things that you should consider when buying a 300ZX. Both the generations are fantastic, and you can still find ones that are well maintained, and which have endured the test of time. However, you should still be wary when buying one so as not to end up with a rotten apple.

 

But, buying a car is a big decision that could be perplexing. So, why not clear all the doubts beforehand? Now, you can satisfy yourself by getting all the desired history of the vehicle within a few minutes. Enter the details on our online portal and get all the information. Click here!