drtran83

Hey guys, I'm trying to find any information towards how safe a 1978 Datsun 280z really is. Any information from owners or data on crash tests would be great. Also if anyone has been involved in an accident with a Z how well did you fare afterwards.

NismoPick

Here... Let me google that for you

First result: crash test info / crash pics on 240 - 280z

drtran83

Thanks for that. I guess I'm looking for more specific experiences from owners who have been in accidents with their Z and how they faired after the accident.
Thanks!

drtran83

Thanks for that!! I'm specifically looking from owners who have experienced an accident with their Z. I want to know how well they survived the accident. Thanks!

NismoPick

Are you doing some kind of research project? Or just super paranoid?

The S30 is not a "safe" car for high speed accidents... no air bags, minimal seat belt restraints, small chassis, 40 years of rust / corrosion on an already "not-so-strong" frame... you do the math.

If you are really this paranoid about getting into an accident, I suggest dressing up in bubble-wrap every morning, no matter what mode of transportation you use.

Moar Google-machine serchz for you....

https://www.google.com/#output=searc...q=crashed+240z

https://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-...q=crashed+280z

theramz

So not a safe car. Better for you to buy a shortbus and wear a helmet.

hoov100

Also realize that those pics are only at 30mph. Imagine hitting a stationary object doing a general freeway speed of 70mph. I can tell you from t-boning a ford explorer at 50mph with a z32 and walking away, that I would most likely have atleast lost my legs and had to have been cut from the car if it was an S30.

These cars are not designed to take big hits, even in a parking lot fender bender you are most likely still looking at a tweaked chassis and possible head/neck injury from hitting your head on the glass to improperly placed seat belt mounts.

RetiredZfool

I have to agree with others that the S30 is not a car which will protect you in a major accident. But there are many small cars that will not survive a collision involving high speed, SUVs, trucks and concrete retaining walls--so I try very hard to avoid them.
I never let my wife ride in the Z because of the risk (she doesn't want to anyway-my Z is not burdened by air conditioning).
I have owned a lot of cars over the years. 73 Corvette, 69 Firebird,
78 T-bird, 68 Charger (I bought when I got back from Vietnam) and many others. All of them were new, off the showroom floor, but my little used 260Z has been more fun than any of them. I now own an S60 and an XC90 Volvo, supposedly the safest cars in the world, which have their place and function, but I still love to drive the Zcar for pure enjoyment.
If safety, comfort, fancy gizmos, high MPG, and low maintenance are what you seek, the S30 may not be for you.