Datsun 510 vs. BMW 2002?

Hey this is my first post in the Automotive section in this forum and I was wondering what you guys thought of this:

The Datsun 510 was referred to as the "Poor Man's BMW 2002", but in a few ways, it was technologically superior and now, it is worth more than the 2002.
But some people like the body style of the 2002 better. I am currently driving a Datsun 510 and I find it to be a blast, I also get a lot of props from my classmates (I'm 16, this is my first car). The car feels really nice, except for the things that is not the car's fault! The previous owner rat-rodded it, so me and my dad are working on bringin it back to its original glory.

So... what do you guys think? BMW or Datsun?

both, but only if they're mint collectable shape. most cars in the US in that era are either in california, or have long since been recycled into pickups.

Datsun 510, it's on the very short list of cars that I would love to own. I'm sure the 2002 is a better car but still, the 510 is just awesome in my eyes. *sigh* Someday I might be able to get one.

Pics and specs?

A BMW 2002 and if its turbo better!

Joey D

Datsun 510, it's on the very short list of cars that I would love to own. I'm sure the 2002 is a better car but still, the 510 is just awesome in my eyes. *sigh* Someday I might be able to get one.

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Same... Except that short list... isn't exactly short!!

Got any pics of your 510? I'd love to see it.

BMW 2002 Tii



Datsun 510



But here is another good example to compare to the two cars. German, Japanese or Italian?

That's a 2002 Turbo, not a 2002Tii

Radracing

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Oh my , stop posting automotive pron.

While I love a solid vintage Japanese car, the 510 in particular, I'd still favor the BMW. There is just something so awesomely vintage with the car, something that I can't even explain.

...But, if we want to talk about awesome vintage coupes...

Mazda RX3


or

Toyota Celica

I dunno, as far as '70s cars, Neither of 'em really do it for me. The BMW's a...well BMW, while the Datsun is probably what I prefer, though it has it's more exotic big bro...



For some reason, and this is in spite of the fact that the lighter (Particularly in the nose) cars handle better, even on razor thin period tires...When it comes to Compacts...



...It's MoPAR or No CAR. Duster 340.

EDIT: and then there's these, which I've always loved, despite the stupid decision to use aluminum cylinder liners. (they ran great if you slid cast iron liners in there)



Cossie Vega.

There you have it. Better power to weight ratio and sleek looks are just the beginning..

[/Thread]

MatskiMonk

That's a 2002 Turbo, not a 2002Tii

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Sorry, my bad. It was too tempting. I just love those box flares on the turbo.

YSSMAN

While I love a solid vintage Japanese car, the 510 in particular, I'd still favor the BMW. There is just something so awesomely vintage with the car, something that I can't even explain.

...But, if we want to talk about awesome vintage coupes...

Mazda RX3

or

Toyota Celica

Click to expand...

That Celica is not vintage enough here is my personal favorite and a closer comparison to the RX3.

1973 SR5 Corrolla TE27



I do like the coupe thou, it's got more of the classic look to it.

Datsun 510, not even a hesitation. I'd take one over anything else posting in this thread.

Radracing

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Perfection.

Jim Prower

I dunno, as far as '70s cars, Neither of 'em really do it for me. The BMW's a...well BMW, while the Datsun is probably what I prefer, though it has it's more exotic big bro...


EDIT: and then there's these, which I've always loved, despite the stupid decision to use aluminum cylinder liners. (they ran great if you slid cast iron liners in there)

Cossie Vega.

Click to expand...

Ouhhh! I remember the Cossie Vega too bad. John DeLorean creation he had the right idea but bad execution. Too much coke I guess.

Jim Prower

EDIT: and then there's these, which I've always loved, despite the stupid decision to use aluminum cylinder liners. (they ran great if you slid cast iron liners in there)

Cossie Vega.

Click to expand...

I love Vegas

My Uncle had 2 Cosworths and my Dad used to have a '72 GT with a SB Chevy in it. It was an absolute POS but that little car would fly!

Had to vote for the 2002 but I would love to have either of them.

ND4SPD

Got any pics of your 510? I'd love to see it.

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I have a couple of pics. Its not the prettiest car out there, mainly cuz the prev. owner ratted it out.

http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/ss18/Leadfoot53/?action=view&current=0511091355.jpg

http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/ss18/Leadfoot53/?action=view&current=0511091355a.jpg

http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/ss18/Leadfoot53/?action=view&current=0511091356.jpg

Radracing

That Celica is not vintage enough here is my personal favorite and a closer comparison to the RX3.

1973 SR5 Corrolla TE27

I do like the coupe thou, it's got more of the classic look to it.

Click to expand...

My dad actually had a 73 or a 74 corolla. That was his first car (cuz he couldnt get a 510)

Here are some specs for the cars STOCK

Datsun 510:
1.6L OHC 4cyl with about 96 HP @ 5500 rpm
4 Speed Man or 3 Speed Auto
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drums
4 Wheel Independant Suspension
Front Susp. Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Susp. semi-trailing arms, coil springs
0-60: 14.5 Sec
Price when new: $2306

BMW 2002
2.0L SOHC 4cyl engine at about 100 hp @ 5500 RPM
MPG: about 25
Transmission: 4 speed man or 3 speed auto
Front Disc, Rear Drums
Top Speed 104mph
Front Susp: Mac Struts, coil springs, opt. anti roll bar
Rear susp: Semi-Trailing Arms, coil Springs, opt. anti roll bar
0-60: 13 secs
Cant find original price...

Leadfoot53

My dad actually had a 73 or a 74 corolla. That was his first car (cuz he couldnt get a 510)

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I hear some crazy stories that those old Corrolla's are fetching $8,000 US for a restored one. I think they where less than $2,500 brand new back then.

Sir, your 510 needs more low in the front and a proper paintjob. Then it wins the world.

This thread makes me happy.

I voted 510 of course, not that I don't also adore the 2002 though.

Nice 510 Leadfoot, have you done much to it? Or is it pretty stock?

I take it you are going to get rid of the rear flares?

I'd prefer the Datsun, but I'd take this first.

As the original question is Bimmer or 510...
The only CORRECT answer is YES!!!

Both cars fit a niche.

Both cars are the cars that "broadened my horizons" to the fact that foriegn cars other than Porsche 911 Targas rocked.

If, I had the time, money, and space I don't think I could choose just one of them.
As far as generally being pleasing to the eye it's hand's down the Datsun.

For being the "mouse that roared" right out of the box. Bimmer.

But both are extremely tuneable in stock trim.

This question is the equivalent of asking Gibson ES-335 or Tele? Ferrari Daytona, or Lamborghini Muira? Raquel Welch or Rita Hayworth (in their prime)?

BMW. By a long shot.

Part of the reason that the vintage 510s, Corollas and Celicas have appreciated so much is because most of them have rusted away.

BMW.
More engine choices (1.5 liter, 1.6 liter in standard and high performance, 1.8 liter, 2 liter in in standard, high performance, injected and turbo models.)
Stiffer chassis.
Thicker, more substantial sheetmetal. (Part of what made the 510s such great racecars is the fact they are so light)

I could go on and on and on.

But the gap between them is not that big. Oxymoronic after the "by a long shot." I know.
The 510, Alfa GTV, 2002, Triumph Dolomite Sprint, Ford Escort Mk I, Opel something or the other (I can't remember which one) Toyota Celica Mk I, are all part of my favourite cars. I wanted the Alfa but I had to settle for the 02 because the GTVs are so hard to come by in great condition at a good price, even in Southern California, even 15 or so years ago.

Forget about the Escort. Or the Dolly.

Of the two... well... I love the 2002, but if I were to own it... I would thrash the living daylights out of it. and for "thrash-the-living-daylights-out-of" use, nothing beats a 510.

With Nissan parts matching, you can do some wild and lairy things with an old dime.

-

After I've bought the 510, then I'd consider the 2002... but I'd consider this: (thanks Scaff!)



or an Alfa GTV first... just because they're prettier to look at.

spauldj3800

I'd prefer the Datsun, but I'd take this first.

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Ohhh! Holden Torana? What year?

I think the Opel Mantas were cool cars too.







..or the Opel Kadet also called Gemini. GM called it something else here in the US. I forget???



and the car that put Mitsubishi on the map the "Lancer" another cool car.