Nissan Datsun D21 2.0 4WD (91 Hp)
Overall Rating
Nissan Datsun:
Datsun was a Japanese automobile manufacturer brand owned by Nissan. Datsun's original production run began in 1931. From 1958 to 1986, only vehicles exported by Nissan were identified as Datsun. Nissan phased out the Datsun brand in March 1986, but relaunched it in June 2013 as the brand for low-cost vehicles manufactured for emerging markets. Nissan considered phasing out the Datsun brand for a second time in 2019 and 2020, eventually discontinuing the struggling brand in April 2022....(Read more on Wikipedia)
D21 Overview:
Nissan Datsun (D21). With 159 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1580 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Nissan Datsun D21 generation predates modern Euro NCAP testing standards. As a vehicle from the late 80s/early 90s, it lacks advanced safety features like multiple airbags, ABS, or electronic stability control, common in contemporary vehicles. Safety performance would be significantly lower by today's standards.
2.0 4WD (91 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.0L petrol engine offers sufficient power for lighter loads and urban driving, but can feel underpowered when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines, especially with 4WD.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is average for a petrol pickup of its size and era, and the 4WD system can further impact efficiency. Diesel options are generally more economical.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and durability
- • Strong off-road capability (especially 4WD models)
- • Simple and easy to maintain mechanics
- • Good towing and hauling capacity (diesel models)
- • Affordable to buy and run as a work vehicle
Cons:
- • Basic interior and comfort features
- • Lack of modern safety technologies
- • Petrol engines can be underpowered for heavy loads
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
- • Dated driving dynamics and refinement
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(140 Y Combi (HLB310): 1979 - 1983).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Datsun |
| Generation: | D21 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 4WD (91 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Pick-up |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 91 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 45.5 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 159 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 17.4 kg/Hp, 57.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.9 kg/Nm, 100.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1580 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4690 mm mm |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm |
| Height: | 1725 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2950 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1425 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1385 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |











Show off your Nissan Datsun knowledge – drop a review below!