Fell to Earth? Our Test of the 1979 Datsun 310 GX Finds Rough Edges
A new start for Datsun
The 310 was Datsun’s next front-wheel-drive sedan after the F-10, a model the company had struggled with. Its basic arrangement remained familiar: a transverse 1,397 cc four-cylinder engine sent power to the front wheels, while all four wheels had independent suspension.
The body and presentation changed substantially. Compared with its predecessor, the 310 was five inches longer and four inches wider, yet weighed only 80 pounds more, at 2,600 pounds. A wedge-shaped profile replaced the F-10’s rounded styling, and the cabin featured velour seats, thick carpeting and a color-coordinated dashboard.
Features distinguish the GX
Both the GX and sedan included reclining front seats, a folding split rear seat and a passenger seat that slid forward to ease access to the back. Other standard equipment included intermittent wipers, power brakes, a rear defogger, a quartz clock and remote controls for the hatch and fuel door.
The GX added a five-speed transmission, a tachometer, a rear-window wiper and washer, roll-down rear quarter-windows and wider tires. The sedan instead had console-mounted cable controls for its flip-out rear windows.
Problems emerge in daily use
After more than 2,000 miles, the GX’s shortcomings were hard to overlook. The transmission often crunched during shifts into third gear, and the placement of first and reverse made selecting the wrong gear a risk. A warning beeper sounded when reverse was engaged.
At idle, engine vibration blurred the steering wheel. Raising the idle by about 100 rpm could help, but a sharp exhaust buzz remained as engine speed passed 5,000 rpm. Similar problems appeared in a tested sedan, suggesting they were not limited to the GX.
Competition sets a high bar
The 310 entered a crowded field that included the Rabbit, Strada, Omni/Horizon, Fiesta, Civic and GM’s X-body compacts. Datsun aimed to compete in a small-car market that was growing more intense.
Despite its improved appearance and generous equipment, the GX’s faults undermined its appeal as a daily driver. The test found that the new model still carried unresolved problems from Datsun’s earlier front-drive effort.
Key points
- The 1979 Datsun 310 GX was a longer, wider successor to the F-10.
- Its 1,397 cc engine drove the front wheels through a five-speed transmission.
- Testers reported frequent crunching into third gear and an awkward reverse layout.
- Engine vibration and exhaust buzzing also appeared in a tested 310 sedan.