2002 Vs Datsun 510

[Nicad]

Just wondering if any forum members have owned both at the same time?

If yes and you have wheel time, how would you contrast the ownership experience?

Tia.

[M3M3]

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,0/page,viewtopic/t,289042/start,0/postdays,0/postorder,asc/highlight,/

one of the many threads on same topic. found with basic search on "datsun and 510".

[Preyupy]

I bought my 1st 1600 in 1973 and my brother bought his 510 in late 1972. To compair a 510 & 2002 is not quite fair. The 510 and 1600 were the comparable cars. In bone stock trim the 1600 was just a bit faster. The BMW was much nicer to drive, quieter and more comfortable. At the limit the BMW was much more forgiving. The 510 was less expensive and the fit, finish, and materials showed it. One of the biggest advantages to the 510 was the easy and inexpensive aftermarket suspension and performance parts.

All said the 510 is a great car and a ton of fun. My brother still has his 510 with a built 2 liter, close ratio 5 speed and all the suspension mods and I have a 1602 with a 215 hp 2 liter, CR 5 speed and a ton of suspension work and I can still kick his butt.

[Nicad]

Thank you for the link.

[jmiller]

Yes, I've owned both. 2002 wins, no question. Drove the '69 Datsun for six years; still own the 2002 after 33 years.

[Preyupy]

A 25% larger engine really helps. There IS no replacement for Displacement!

[gr8glfr]

510 in the 70s and a roundie in the 80s. Loved both but voted with my checkbook in buying another 02 last year. 510 was very fun and reliable though.

[Harland]

My shop mate has 3 510s, 2 wagons and a 4 door sedan.

Over all 510's are great cars but i think being an economy car they require a bit more work to keep on the road.

This car is gonna be crazy if he ever gets it back on the road.

[TobyB]

One of the biggest advantages to the 510 was the easy and inexpensive aftermarket suspension and performance parts.

yeah, no kidding- Datsun homologated all the performance stuff they used in

the Grand Am, which meant all you had to do was go to the dealer and order

it. There was a 30 page catalog of nothing but springs, bars, bushings...

Neither BMW nor Alfa did a thing for their racers, so Morton and Brock

took "a little shitbox" and won, repeatedly. Over 'better' cars, with LOTS of work.

Hey- looks like The Stainless Steel Carrot's been reprinted- it's well worth the read.

Now, thanks to years of requests from fans, and Sylvia's interest in animals, the book is republished with additional material.

From an era where racing was both popular and populist... hee hee...

(no, it's fundraiser, the racers weren't ALL animals)

I always thought it was odd that the 510 wagon had a solid axle...

but it makes sense from the packaging perspective.

Looking at the L16's, it's amazing the power they got out of a

non- crossflow head. A BMW 1600 head is at least 2 generations more advanced....

t