The new for 1982 front-wheel-drive, three-door and five-door, five-passenger hatchbacks had a smooth aerodynamic sharply raked body and chopped tail that, was good for a Cd of 0.38, almost as good as the contemporary 280ZX’s 0.36. The spacious cockpit was well appointed, even in bottom of the line cars. Overhead com, tow-liter four cranked out 88 hp at 5,200 rpm, and was the only available mill, mated to either a standard five-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic transmission. Space efficiency and excellent economy were the best features of this Datsun 510 replacement, which was marketed worldwide under the parent Nissan name. Stanza prices started around $6800, but could be optioned up to $8000 and went head to head with the also new GM J-cars.
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