CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Datsun 120A

Datsun 120A — 3/5-door hatchback; 3-door liftback coupé; 4-door fastback sedan; 5-door station wagon/van; 3-door panel van, 988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10)

About the Datsun 120A

Datsun 120A is a 3/5-door hatchback; 3-door liftback coupé; 4-door fastback sedan; 5-door station wagon/van; 3-door panel van in the hatchback class. The available vehicle data lists 988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10) as an engine configuration and a Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Datsun 120A guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10). Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Datsun 120A specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Datsun
Model	120A
Model years	Not specified
Body style	3/5-door hatchback; 3-door liftback coupé; 4-door fastback sedan; 5-door station wagon/van; 3-door panel van
Vehicle class	hatchback
Manufacturer	Datsun
Production	May 1978 – April 1982
Market / country	FI, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Datsun 120A includes 988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10).. The listed drivetrain/layout is Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive.

Engine	988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10)
Drivetrain / layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2395 mm (94.3 in)
Length	3890 –
Width	1620 mm (63.8 in)
Height	1360 mm (53.5 in)
Kerb / curb weight	840 kg (1,852 lb)

Datsun 120A other specifications

Name	N10, N11
Image	Nissan Cherry in Autumn 1981.jpg
Aka	Datsun 100A/120A/130A/140A/150ADatsun 310 (US)Datsun Cherry (Europe)Datsun PulsarNissan Langley

Datsun 120A generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
N10, N11	May 1978 – April 1982	988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10)	Not specified	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Datsun 120A

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Datsun 120A

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Datsun 120A have?

The available source data lists the Datsun 120A engine as 988 cc ''A10'' I4 (BN10); 988 cc ''E10'' I4 (SN10); 1171 cc ''A12'' I4 (N10/N11); 1237 cc ''A12A'' I4 (YN10); 1270 cc ''E13'' I4 (UN10); 1397 cc ''A14'' I4 (HN10/HN11); 1488 cc ''A15'' I4 (Datsun 310); 1488 cc ''E15'' I4 (MN10). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Datsun 120A?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Datsun 120A?

There is no single best engine oil for every Datsun 120A configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Datsun 120A?

The Datsun 120A is classified as a 3/5-door hatchback; 3-door liftback coupé; 4-door fastback sedan; 5-door station wagon/van; 3-door panel van.

What are the dimensions of the Datsun 120A?

The available source data lists length 3890 -, width 1620 mm (63.8 in), height 1360 mm (53.5 in), and wheelbase 2395 mm (94.3 in).

Is the Datsun 120A FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Datsun 120A is Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive.

Who makes the Datsun 120A?

The manufacturer listed for the Datsun 120A is Datsun.

When was the Datsun 120A produced?

The available source data describes production as May 1978 – April 1982.

How much does the Datsun 120A weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 840 kg (1,852 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Datsun 120A built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Japan: Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa; Greece: Volos (TEOKAR); Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (Tan Chong); New Zealand: Wiri; South Africa: Rosslyn, Gauteng (NSA).

What class of car is the Datsun 120A?

The Datsun 120A is listed in the hatchback class.

Which markets or countries sold the Datsun 120A?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Datsun 120A with FI, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Datsun 120A?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Datsun 120A?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Datsun 120A is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Datsun 120A have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Datsun 120A?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Datsun 120A images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.