79 Hardtop 280zx or 83 targa 280zx

[positivetennis]

Just as the subject title reads, I am in the process of deciding whether to go for a 79 hardtop or later 83 Targa. Generally I do like the lines of the hardtop a little more and would like to get it, but is an 83 model a better car. My concerns of the targa models are that they maybe a bit more creaky now, possible water leaks and rust spots around the targa. The other thing I would like to know is how the rack and pinion steering on the series 2 models compare to the recirculating ball systems. I am going to drive both today hopfully to gauge how the two models compare. Last time when I had an 83 model I test drove a 79 and it felt a little sportier and firmer to drive. All things being equal in price and standard specs, which car would appeal more?

[1600dave]

All things being equal

 

The above quote is taken out of context a little, but realistically you won't find two cars of the variants you're looking at that are "equal".

 

They are 35 year old cars, nowadays all you can do is drive them, check them out thoroughly for rust etc, and buy whatever you like out of the two.

 

Things like "sportier and firmer to drive" will depend more nowadays on whether the car has had its suspension replaced (and what it was replaced with), or whether it is still riding around on worn out factory shocks, than how the cars felt when new. Same with rust around the targa - this would be just one part of a very thorogh check for rust all over the car and is best done on a case-by-case basis rather than generalising.

[positivetennis]

Thanks Dave, good points, need to look at 35 year cars on a case by case proposition. I'm going to drive the 79 model today and do all the necessary checks. I was wondering if anyone knows whether the targa is heavier due to requirements needed to engineer the targa over the hardtop model. Also what about the different steering systems, how does rack and pinion compare to recirculating ball steering systems. Anybody have a preference between the the hardtop and series 2 targa models visually and/or overall package?

[imackz]

Thanks Dave, good points, need to look at 35 year cars on a case by case proposition. I'm going to drive the 79 model today and do all the necessary checks. I was wondering if anyone knows whether the targa is heavier due to requirements needed to engineer the targa over the hardtop model. Also what about the different steering systems, how does rack and pinion compare to recirculating ball steering systems. Anybody have a preference between the the hardtop and series 2 targa models visually and/or overall package?

 

Go the hardtop , better rigidity without the weight & leaking targa top

[positivetennis]

Thanks Imackz. Good point. Just went and had a look at the 79 hardtop. Looked like a nice car and drove well. Unfortunately has a fair bit of filler on both doors and front guard along with rust under battery and some on front rails. Had cracked dash and air cond was just regassed, but love the sky blue colour. Will look at some more tomorrow.

[pauly_adams]

ive driven both hardtop and targa, the hard top is a different car to the targa top, if i jack up my front wheel with the scissor jack the back wheel comes of the ground, that is how stiff the shell is

[260DET]

Solid top all the way.

[positivetennis]

Will focus on getting a 79 hardtop unless something really exceptional comes up with a 82/83 targa.. Its a shame Nissan Australia didn't continue selling a hardtop version in AU after 1980 as well as making a 2 seater available. So far looked at 2 cars but both were a bit rusty and neglected.

[imackz]

Solid top all the way.

 

Have to agree , hardtop for structural rigidity anytime

[Lynton]

the hardtops usually do not have rack & pinion steering the later l28 with flat top pistons is the better motor, leaky targa tops is due to lack of rubber maintenance over the years IMO the later car is the better car. Lynton 

[oldmates260z]

This post was started in April 2014....are you still looking? You must have seen a few over the time

[Agno]

There is only one way to describe the recent updates to this thread... and positivetennis will never buy a Z

 

[CroS13]

and positivetennis will never buy a Z

 

I didn't know why you would say such a mean thing! then i looked at this "positivetennis" and his previous topics he has created... well all of them.... going all the way back to 2012......

 

 

wow... i get it....

 

dude...... stop asking if x is better than y, if we would rather a or b.... and go buy a car, then deal with it once you own something!!!!

 

I have also just decided that this thread will now be about goats:

 

 

Proceed.....

 

Rudolf.

[luvemfast]

So many lols

[imackz]

Thanks Imackz. Good point. Just went and had a look at the 79 hardtop. Looked like a nice car and drove well. Unfortunately has a fair bit of filler on both doors and front guard along with rust under battery and some on front rails. Had cracked dash and air cond was just regassed, but love the sky blue colour. Will look at some more tomorrow.

 

they are all fairly easy repairs, swap the doors out , weld up new metal to the lower guards & get the dash reskinned

[positivetennis]

Thanks for all the kind, and constructive responses and advice. Now to Agno (Nice photo), I've owned about 7 zeds in the last 20 years, all were in immaculate condition and original, and sometimes finding authentic cars at the right price in your location takes some time. Cros30, there is nothing wrong in asking such questions such as "Is X better than Y etc.?", that should be one of the reasons why forums like these are on the internet.