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Nissan Fairlady 240z (S30z)

ClassicNissan
151 hp
Horsepower
1040 kg
Weight
RWD
Drivetrain
1971
Year

Nissan Fairlady 240Z (S30Z) (Classic)

The Nissan Fairlady 240Z is one of the defining Japanese sports cars of the early 1970s — a lightweight, long-hood, rear-wheel-drive coupe that helped establish Nissan as a serious performance brand worldwide. With its smooth inline-six power, balanced chassis, and timeless silhouette, the S30Z became an icon on both the street and the track.

Key Specs (BoP-dependent, typical sim values)

  • Powertrain: 2.4L naturally aspirated inline-6 (front-mounted, longitudinal)

  • Total Output: ~151 hp (113 kW)

  • Redline: ~7,000 rpm

  • Transmission: 4-speed manual

  • Weight: ~1,040 kg

  • Dimensions: ~4,115 mm long × 1,630 mm wide × 1,285 mm tall | Wheelbase 2,305 mm

  • Tires: Period-correct road tires on steel or alloy wheels

  • Brakes: Front discs, rear drums

  • Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive

In the Simulator Feel

The 240Z is a light, analog classic that rewards momentum, smooth inputs, and a patient right foot. It doesn't have modern grip or power, but its low weight and clean steering response make it feel eager and lively in the sim. The car communicates clearly at the limit, with just enough roll and weight transfer to keep you working for every ounce of pace.

Engine & Sound: The inline-six delivers a silky, mechanical note that builds in a classic, eager climb toward redline. It's not loud in a modern sense, but it has a charming vintage character — smooth at cruise, crisp under load, and wonderfully authentic when revved out through the gears.

Handling Characteristics:

  • Cornering: Balanced and playful, with mild understeer on entry that can be rotated with throttle and weight transfer.

  • Traction: Modest by modern standards, so smooth throttle application is key, especially on corner exit.

  • Braking: Respectable for its era, but you’ll want to brake early and progressively to keep the chassis settled.

  • Top Speed: Decent for a 1970s sports car, though acceleration is more about momentum than outright power.

Driving Style Tip: Drive it like a momentum car. Keep your inputs clean, avoid scrubbing speed, and use lift-off rotation to help the nose tuck in. It shines on technical circuits where rhythm matters more than horsepower.

Livery & Aesthetics: The S30Z is pure style — long hood, fastback roofline, slim chrome trim, and those unmistakable round tail lamps. In sim form it looks especially good in period racing liveries, from simple works-inspired stripes to bold endurance-style graphics.

Whether you're carving up a mountain pass or chasing lap consistency on a classic circuit, the Nissan Fairlady 240Z remains one of the most enjoyable and charismatic old-school sports cars to drive in sim racing — simple, beautiful, and endlessly rewarding.