Nissan Safari Y61 4.2 TD (5 dr) (160 Hp)
Overall Rating
Nissan Safari:
The Nissan Patrol is a series of off-road vehicles and full-size SUVs manufactured by Nissan in Japan since 1951 and sold throughout the world. It is Nissan's longest running series of models.
The Patrol has been available as either a short-wheelbase three-door or a long-wheelbase five-door chassis since 1951. The LWB version has been offered in pickup truck and cab chassis variants. Between 1988 and 1994, Ford Australia marketed the Patrol as the Ford Maverick. In some European countries, such as Spain, the Patrol was marketed by Ebro as the Ebro Patrol. In 1980 in Japan, it was rebadged and alternately sold at Nissan Prince Store locations as the Nissan Safari....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Y61 Overview:
Nissan Safari (Y61). With 331 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2350 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Nissan Safari Y61 generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a robust, body-on-frame off-roader from its era, its passive safety features would likely not meet modern standards, prioritizing structural integrity for harsh environments.
4.2 TD (5 dr) (160 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent low-end torque for off-roading and towing, though not quick on-road. Legendary for its reliability and durability.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel economy for its size and power, but very acceptable given its robust nature and capability.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary off-road capability and durability
- • Robust body-on-frame construction
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
- • Excellent towing capacity
- • Highly reliable TD42 and TB45 engines
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy, especially with petrol engines
- • Unrefined on-road ride quality compared to modern SUVs
- • Dated interior design and technology
- • Some engines (ZD30, RD28) have known reliability issues
- • Poor crash safety by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Y61: 2000 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Safari |
| Generation: | Y61 |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.2 TD (5 dr) (160 Hp) |
| Start of production: | October, 1997 |
| End of production: | September, 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 3600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 38.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 331 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4169 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 96 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.58 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.7 kg/Hp, 68.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 140.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2350 |
| Max. weight: | 2810 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2226 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 305 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4910 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1930 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1865 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2970 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1605 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1625 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |









If you could change one thing about the Nissan Safari, what would it be?