Which is the better model year?

[chiti66]

Z World - I'm brand new to this Z thing, although, I've loved the car since the sixth grade (I'm in my thirties now). Anyway, I have two vehicles I'm choosing from, one is a 1979 280ZX manual in great shape all around (only 105K on orginal engine and tranny), and the second is a 1981 280ZX manual in decent/good shape and I think the miles are in the 150K range. Which model year is considered the better year from 1979-1981. These are the models I like.

Second, how dificult is it to convert manual roll-up windows and manual locks to power windows and locks on a 1979 280ZX?

[NISSANSPDR]

Here are some differences:

'79 was the first year this model came out...135HP 144lbs of torque (CA cars had 3hp less due to emissions)

'80 the HP went down to 132 due to emissions state wide; T Tops are made

'81.5 the Turbo model is introduced; 180HP 203 lbs of torque; stiffer suspension was added as well

'82 talking voice added; body colored bumpers instead of steel ones; 2+2 now had turbo available

'83 more luxury added to this sports car; digital readout begins

[blackbob]

Originally posted by NISSANSPDR
Here are some differences:

'79 was the first year this model came out...135HP 144lbs of torque (CA cars had 3hp less due to emissions)

'80 the HP went down to 132 due to emissions state wide; T Tops are made

'81.5 the Turbo model is introduced; 180HP 203 lbs of torque; stiffer suspension was added as well

'82 talking voice added; body colored bumpers instead of steel ones; 2+2 now had turbo available

'83 more luxury added to this sports car; digital readout begins

whoa ,I didn't know all that..................No wonder my car talks to me

[blackbob]

Originally posted by chiti66
Z World - I'm brand new to this Z thing, although, I've loved the car since the sixth grade (I'm in my thirties now). Anyway, I have two vehicles I'm choosing from, one is a 1979 280ZX manual in great shape all around (only 105K on orginal engine and tranny), and the second is a 1981 280ZX manual in decent/good shape and I think the miles are in the 150K range. Which model year is considered the better year from 1979-1981. These are the models I like.

Second, how dificult is it to convert manual roll-up windows and manual locks to power windows and locks on a 1979 280ZX?

Well I think nissan did a great comparison for you so far as tha cars go. But your questions on manual windows and locks,NO it's not hard at all it's simply putting in the electronic solenoids.