Datsun 1600 vs Datsun 1200

[my1200]

Bahahahaha

[denpal]

The 1600 is more sophisticated in terms of design, however a nice 1200 is a delightful car to drive and surprisingly quick with a worked A15 installed.

I can't quite be sure of the lap times but that Noddy Murdoch from Timaru was getting around Ruapuna very rapidly in his stock looking 1200. In fact it was hard to believe just how quickly he was circulating. I think he had an A15 under the bonnet.

For me, a 1600 is right because of their extensive broad-spectrum competition history, and historic Japanese car volume sales pioneering in the US in the late '60's. My choice within the 1600 range is the '69 because I like the low dash and simple strip-speedo dash layout (although my '69 1600SSS car in fact has the multi-dial SSS dash). The '70-on had the higher dash-pad and a feeling of less visibility looking through the windscreen.

[my1200]

That's a great way to look at it, cheers for the comment.
I have a 69 and love the dash setup.

[kobyn]

I like the 1600 but if had the choice id have a 1200 coupe jst cause I think they look better and like how small they are

[classicdat]

The 1200 is easy to live with, as a daily it is cheap to run and great in traffic. It is fun but it is small and as a family car it is certainly limited. I have had a heap of fun in Motorsport in a 1200, and I don't think you would find an easier car to drive on the limit, they are very rewarding and as stated surprisingly quick. They are light!
The 1600 is certainly a better car, better designed, stronger and more civilised, more comfortable and sophisticated. I am looking forward to the extra leg room for the family when I finally get mine on the road, but motivation to get it done is low as I enjoy the 1200 so much.
I rate the 1600 as one of the all times great cars, but bang for bucks, 1200 A series powered for me. My 2c worth.

[my1200]

1200 coupes are extremely nice and also a good well balanced sedan.
1600 have always caught my attention as I have owned two previously
And loved the ride.
My limited storage issue is the real problem as I would keep both if I could.
Awesome comments.

[grant76]

depends what you want out of it. Purely from an investment/value point of view the 1600 will almost always be worth more (apart maybe from the 1200 sss sedan project that just closed on trademe!!!!! ). Both are nice to drive, 1600 might have more ability to upgrade due to IRS if you're going full on as far as speed and handling go. But i would always pick the 1200 for a better all rounder. Nice to drive, quick enough, nice to look at and parts are far easier to come by (can still buy plenty of most things new). although, if one has got a far better body than the other i would choose that, a well kept car will almost always come out better than a shitbox that is fixed up (all of the above is my opinion only!!! )

[dadams]

Just wana buck the trend here and put a vote towards the poor unloved 1200!

Personally for me I'v always had a sweet spot for the 1200, my first car was a 1200 sedan and I think thats pretty much what caught my attention towards the datsun brand. It was bog stranded, rusty and ruff as guts but for a 14 yr old with no licence and thinking he was the next after midnight Micheal Schumacher it pretty much filled every need I could have possibly needed. At some point after that I had a fairly rapid 2 door 1200 wagon which I pretty much regret selling every time I step foot into my garage and see the state of my current 1200 wag...

But really, I think its all about preferences, both have merits of their own and Id be more than happy if I had a nice example of either, but for me I like the smaller of the two. That and my storage is minimal so Id be lucky to house a 510!

[my1200]

Crazy ! Yeah I like the them all and want a car the is going to give me back some coin one day but, really just want a collectible Datsun and feel the 1600 might have the edge over the 1200.
I sold an amazing 1600 in factory condition for 2800 and kick myself for it.
I just have to make my mind up and stick with it.

[Bartman]

That car was mint too!
Sell a kidney, and keep both.