Nissan Datsun D21 2.7DT (100 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Nissan Datsun:

Datsun was a Japanese automobile manufacturer brand owned by Nissan. Datsun's original production run began in 1931. From 1958 to 1986, only vehicles exported by Nissan were identified as Datsun. Nissan phased out the Datsun brand in March 1986, but relaunched it in June 2013 as the brand for low-cost vehicles manufactured for emerging markets. Nissan considered phasing out the Datsun brand for a second time in 2019 and 2020, eventually discontinuing the struggling brand in April 2022....(Read more on Wikipedia)

D21 Overview:

Nissan Datsun (D21). With 221 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1770 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Nissan Datsun D21 generation predates modern Euro NCAP testing standards. As a vehicle from the late 80s/early 90s, it lacks advanced safety features like multiple airbags, ABS, or electronic stability control, common in contemporary vehicles. Safety performance would be significantly lower by today's standards.

2.7DT (100 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers decent low-end torque and sufficient power for hauling and towing, making it a capable workhorse. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost over the naturally aspirated variant.

Fuel Economy

As a turbo-diesel, it provides reasonable fuel economy for its size and era, especially when driven conservatively. Diesel fuel costs and availability were generally favorable.

Best Use Case: Heavy-duty work, towing, off-road, long-distance hauling.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional reliability and durability
  • • Strong off-road capability (especially 4WD models)
  • • Simple and easy to maintain mechanics
  • • Good towing and hauling capacity (diesel models)
  • • Affordable to buy and run as a work vehicle

Cons:

  • • Basic interior and comfort features
  • • Lack of modern safety technologies
  • • Petrol engines can be underpowered for heavy loads
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models
  • • Dated driving dynamics and refinement

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(140 Y Combi (HLB310): 1979 - 1983).

General:
Brand:Nissan
Model:Datsun
Generation:D21
Modification (Engine):2.7DT (100 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1996
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Pick-up
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:100 Hp @ 4000 rpm.
Power per litre:37.6 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:221 Nm @ 2200 rpm.
Engine displacement:2663
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:96 mm mm
Piston Stroke:92 mm mm
Compression ratio:21.9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Weight-to-power ratio:17.7 kg/Hp, 56.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8 kg/Nm, 124.9 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1770
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4690 mm mm
Width:1690 mm mm
Height:1725 mm mm
Wheelbase:2950 mm mm
Front track:1425 mm
Rear (Back) track:1385 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

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