Immense Battle Datsun 280Z takes on Chevrolet Corvette Historic Sportscar Racing Blend Line TV

Check out this great battle between a Datsun 280Z and a Chev Corvette during a historic race meeting in Sydney Australia.
Different strengths and weaknesses produce some extremely good racing.
If you'd like to support Blend Line TV check out www.blendline.tv
*NOTE: This video is not to be used in any form without the express permission of Blend Line TV*

[@benmclean2291]

Love both of those cars!! Not sure if he was doing it deliberately but notice how the Z was taking the outer line on the tight corners almost leaving the door open which made the Vette have to work its rear tyres harder to try and pass until they were cooked. Vette needs to be more disciplined and not roast the rears. (All advice given from the comfort of my armchair)

[@andrewperry605]

Around the outside at turn two farken! From my armchair, i reckon the vette driver was throwing too much it just to keep up. Love this racing. Vette driver did give him room though which screwed his line

[@jamiebowles4588]

From my armchair, the 'Vette is doin' it to himself. He apexes early, & rides the inner edge halfway through. Kills his exit speed, and takes the whole straight for his hp to catch up. Datsun, on the other hand dives in hard, heavy brake while aiming just past apex, rolling in the throttle.

[@trevorflanagan4873]

Y’all are great gents👍

[@randyderksen4358]

Trying to dance with something a bit out of it's league. Imagine if this was for 2 hours or even one hour! Heavier cars will be conserving brakes and rubber just to make it to the end.

[@richardthompson6366]

I can only imagine the smiles on their faces, a driver's bliss.

[@Jesse-B]

This is exactly why people love historic racing so much.

[@tiger_7076]

I’m in the middle of restoring a 240z with my dad. Gotta love to see the z’s driving and doing what they do best.

[@rcpmac]

Well as they say, don't try this at home! 😉

[@yesode4201]

The thing the Z does the best is rust!

[@Payday5]

@@yesode4201 just like your 2006 accord

[@yesode4201]

@@Payday5 No! Sorry little boy I have a 1975Z and a rusty Corolla. When you move out of your Mommy’s I will sell you a Z. Ok

[@garypeatling7927]

I only ever saw positively dangerously rusty ones , Jack up and door wont open , nice motors

[@rogueninja1685]

What a great battle. Perfect representation of the tradeoffs in physics between these two models, the S-40 and the Vette. Classic

[@markavramovic111]

s30

[@kennethkirklin6959]

Yep

[@truebetold65]

Couldn't said it better 🇺🇸👍

[@therealmaxspeedster]

Corvette driver racing like he was completely unfamiliar with either the track, his car, or both.

[@mattnewell649]

I owned two Z cars in the past, a 71 & a 73. The 71,I adapted a 383 stroker, suspension upgrade with KYB, 300ZX rear end, Goodyear 60s all around, and special reinforcement's to strengthen the chassis. I Could eat up Vette`s and Porsche`s all day long! Those old Z cars had good balance, and if setup right, would stick glue in the corners! They are phenomenal!! On the other hand, all the older Vette`s where known to not handle very well. this video proves that fact!

[@Omahaguy68131]

i watched a well prepared 260z with a fire breathing Ed Pink Z engine nearly lap the pack at Texas Motor Speedway it just wove through the field as it ate up some tires that day. it sounded amazing.

[@patpeterson2671]

But you had to do a shitload of mods on your Nissans and the weight difference to the Corvette .......... majority of the time Corvette's and Porsche's are stock ..... all that is done is , bigger radiators , upgrades to make the car breathe better , bigger brakes and suspension upgrades and a roll cage .......... and they are good to go for road racing ......... and there was no 383 Stroker in any Datsun 280Z or 300ZX off the stock assembly line ....all 4cyl or straight 6's / V-6's .... Porsche is the lightest then the 280z , then the Corvette ......... with Engine upgrades to the stock engines in the three , the 280Z , is not even in the same ball park as the Corvette or Porsche ................................

[@psk5746]

​@@patpeterson2671 Rather have the Datsun all day long over a Corvette

[@twoeightythreez]

@@patpeterson2671 a stock S30 Z car would absolutely whup a stock C2 vette in the corners, the only advantage the vette has is on a long straight, and a 75-78 vette doesn't have much of an advantage even there against a stock 75-78 280z. Put a chev lump in the Datsun and the C2 corvette stands no chance whatsoever. Further, if you Put a modern LS based engine in the Datsun, (with appropriate brake and suspension upgrades, of course), even a MODERN corvette will have an epic challenge. Against that, C2 once again will look like an oxcart in comparison ,!no matter what kind of engine its running. The corvette is still cool AF but it simply has no chance on a tight road course against a well prepped and driven s30 Z car. FWIW, there is absolutely nothing outside the body shell that is "stock" on that particular Corvette, all the mods on both cars did was make the action happen faster. The ultimate irony is how the modern Nissan Z has basically become the modern day C2 Corvette, its heavy, riding on a dated platform, not super powerful and will get handed its ass on a tight road course by a modern Camaro (let alone a C8 vette)

[@lettuce7378]

@@twoeightythreez Unless i'm mistaken this is a C3

[@demetriustebet3786]

The Z was faster on the infield and the Vette on the straight, sliding around on the infield killed the Vette. Figuring out how to get the most of your machine is crucial.

[@gregoryjamesaustin]

Love both body styles. Art on wheels.

[@BlendLineTV]

Yup, this is the sort of racing where you can appreciate both cars and both drivers for being willing to get them out on track for us to enjoy!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

@@BlendLineTV it's real racing not turn left, turn left,

[@stealthd16]

That was a fun watch, thanks for the great coverage. Subscribed. Nice example of skill over outright speed, the Z driver simply drove better, the Vette driver has some work to do on his basics… I’m still envious!

[@markwilliams5606]

Had a 71 LT1 Corvette. Good racing! Love it!

[@nawletorre7136]

datsun handling and control corvette pure power

[@shaneanderson8358]

Beautiful cars. I own a 72 240Z so I’m bias but I certainly love that vette. Is it a 69’? With the egg carton fender vents? Just goes to show why the 240Z was such a wicked contender in the SCCA. Can’t wait to get out there an turn some laps in my car. 🤟🏼

[@johnhenshaw7655]

Great engine sounds, and no crappy music to boot 👍

[@EugVR6]

I like the look of both but the Z is the better handling machine.

[@robertsilfvast3734]

A classic fight between good handling and big engine 👍🏻🙃

[@KingCast65]

Great great video. Anyone know what they are running for motors?

[@PirateHarbour]

LT1 350 and L28

[@grabir01]

Amazing Corvette driver. Anyone that has driven one knows how hard it can be to keep on the pavement when it loses traction with super grippy tires. A tire that scrubs is better for the vett. Since it has 50/50 weight dist, when it loses traction, its an all 4 event. Dual 11's. At any rate. Super driving for both drivers.

[@johnnystones8498]

Yep, anyone who's ever driven a C3 knows that the rear end can be unforgiving. They corner great but when they do lose rear grip most times they're gone. This driver did a great job of pushing that vette to it's limit....but just a bit too much when he finally lost it. A great video of two cars with slightly different but equally effective attributes....vette with a bit more speed, zed with a bit more cornering.

[@franklynpertuz7669]

That was great I like that little Datsun that little peanut took him great driving both of them

[@gordonclark7632]

The Chef can certainly overcome the grip levels.

[@shanegainer9640]

For me, it’s pure American power vs pure Japanese finesse… Just ask yourself which driver is going to wear themselves out quicker? Every corner is the 280’s friend and every straight stretch is the vette’s friend.

[@ROBERTLOWER-f3p]

What engine is in the Vette ?? I saw a few 7500 rpm shifts.

[@tysonc1633]

Love corvettes, though the Zed is a great car too!

[@jzxtrd337]

Good ol' single leaf sprung rear end wins again.

[@jamierodriguez3554]

The Z has independent rear suspension what are you talkin about

[@chele-chele]

Skill and finesse trump raw power every time...

[@wydopnthrtl]

True but the smiles per mile are lower

[@jeffroid_tv]

GET that little Rice Burner!!! ; }>

[@daviddawson3366]

I had a vett c3 if you accelerated going around a curve the rear tires would easily loose grip and create over steer too.

[@pitied3744]

that's if you dont have good tires and suspension designed for racing like this

[@wydopnthrtl]

And think of all that exercise you got! Each and every time you smiled and tightened the sphincter 😆

[@johnnystones8498]

I always felt the oversteer was a result of sitting almost at the back tires, you initially tend to overcorrect because you feel you're way out there. It takes some getting used to.

[@Hapkido82AUS]

An ounce of handling is worth a pound of horsepower 🤷‍♂️ (Love the vette though, sounds brilliant track side 🥰)

[@joeoski3417]

The corvettes clutch setup might be the thing that is holding it back a bit .

[@13_13k]

Joe Oski --- you might be correct but the clutch isn't the real culprit. the suspension setup is the main problem which in turn is causing the tires to take that horsepower directly from the drivetrain with no buffer from the suspension keeping the car weight and the spring and compression working together. your clutch theory also plays into that horsepower being sent to the rear end in a bad way causing loss of traction. basically the Vette couldn't handle the enthusiasm its driver had in trying to beat that Zcar.

[@wydopnthrtl]

A longer throw throttle stroke would help him regulate power.

[@wakeupbreathing]

you could see the Zcar setting him up. I think he knew the corvette could not hold the corner.

[@64fairlane305]

The 280-driver is a bit smarter

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

the Datsun rusted away half way through

[@wydopnthrtl]

I once had a 79 Datsun pickup. DUDE!! this statement is not hyperbole

[@dominicpelle7841]

American GRUNT is good in a straight line...

[@wydopnthrtl]

So the 280Z guy smiled at the end of the race. The vette guy smiled every time he mash the throttle. 🙃

[@Kneedragon1962]

I used to own a 280ZX. The car in that clip, is a 260Z, which is a sports car. A 280ZX is a 2 door limmo for 57 year old bank managers who want to cruise Darlinghurst road or Bondi Junction and try and pick up a runaway girl. It's a floating whorehouse for rich old men. I see no way a stock 280 could run with even a lowest spec Corvette... Turns out it's a 260 - that makes more sense. That's coming from someone who owned one back in '82 ~ 3 when they were the pride of the fleet. A 280 ZX is actually not a real bad car in many ways, but if you shaved half a ton out of it, and added rack & pinion steering in place of the recirc ball, then perhaps you could call it a sportscar.

[@jayrogers8255]

We had 280Zs here in the States, so maybe it is a 280Z. I agree about the ZX tho, & raise you the Z31 300ZXs!

[@bruh_machine]

Its still pretty common to see "280Z" and think 280ZX. The 280Z does exist. Very different cars even though they have the same engine/trans/rear axle. Your description of the ZX is pretty funny I have to admit, but on paper a 280ZX Turbo can hang with any '75-'82 Vette. Not that that's saying much though.

[@Kneedragon1962]

@@bruh_machine ~ Yes, well mine wasn't a turbo. I would likely have been a lot happier with it if it was.

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

@@jayrogers8255 The 280Z was a North American exclusive. In other markets they stayed with the 2.6 litre up until the S130 came out.

[@jayrogers8255]

@@skaldlouiscyphre2453 correct, but it’s possible for a 280Z to be exported.

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Damn, that Daytona can move! O.O

[@riggymars7793]

That datsun has a V8!

[@sink61]

My guess is the vette showed up to the race with worn out tires.

[@wydopnthrtl]

And... too much torque and an unskilled driver

[@jesusoalvarez4204]

GO DATSUN!

[@wydopnthrtl]

Ok so my corvette guy... your driving too slow and relying on power to make up for the lack of controllability. You need to do three things. 1. Learn what "Apex late" is and do that. 2. Add a little negative camber to the rear. 3. Add about 30% lever length to the throttle bracket on the carb. It will increase pedal travel and help soften throttle response.😉

[@zeroswings2]

went as I suspected...

[@JohnSmith-wb6kq]

Owned a C3 vette, biggest piece of shit ever for handling , but looked col and sounded great, Ill stick to my E39 now, getting old lol

[@MrPaknight]

Z POWER!

[@jamesjkmorrison7355]

I have taken many corvettes from a standing start on the first one hundred feet ,how is that Possible you might ask?🤔well it's like this ,Going up in Smoke doesn't Win a race unless You're name is DON GARLIC, THINK ABOUT THAT. LOL

[@mojojoji5493]

Superior grip

[@highpointsights]

Been a big Chevy fan for years but I'm surprised Corvette survived they made ugly cars for so long it was a miracle they did

[@truebetold65]

Huh?

[@chriscatarcio2983]

Yeah they made them after 67 but who Cares. 😆

[@truebetold65]

@@chriscatarcio2983 actually it started at 63 with the turtle looking ones but your right who cares 🇺🇸👍

[@kermitfisk187]

5 Very overheated tires

[@paladin0654]

Meanwhile, the Mustang disappears over the horizon.

[@willrogers5713]

TBH i can only remember 1 time when a GT350 won in its class over the last 5 years... rubbish handling compared to these two cars

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Corvette wanted to 69 the Daytona ;)

[@garymanis6305]

Looks like a 1969 Corvette maybe with the L68 427 400 Hp. Tuned it would make 500 Hp easy. It would be a handful on that track as shown. That 1975 280Z engine is definitely not putting out the stock 170 Hp. You can buy race built 280Z engines bored and stroked up to 3.2L and up to 400 Hp. I suspect we are looking at something like that here.

[@sidefx996]

It's a '70'-'72. Look at the parking lights (clear would be '70/'71) and egg crate grills on the side.

[@garymanis6305]

@@sidefx996 Yeah, its a 1970 Corvette. They changed the rear window in 1971. The only year for the notch-back rear window with sails and the egg crate front fender vents was 1970. So, with that hood it would have the LT-1.

[@sidefx996]

@@garymanis6305 Appreciate your enthusiasm but you're incorrect. The rear window was "changed" to a fixed/nonremovable window (looked the same) in '73, and to the wraparound window in '78. I guess you edited your comment but '70-'72 were identical besides the color of the parking lights, which were changed from clear to amber some time during the '71 model year. That's an '70-'72 LT-1/454 hood, not an L88 hood.

[@garymanis6305]

@@sidefx996I found 2 pitures of Corvettes that were listed as 1971 with the newer back window. Not sure what to think about that. I also found an "original" 1970 Corvette with the LS5, but it had the L88 hood. Kinda makes it hard to figure out what your are looking at.

[@sidefx996]

@@garymanis6305 Well yeah people modify these things all the time but I've grown up with them and know what's "stock" and what's not. Feel free to do some homework for yourself if you'd like to learn more or they have Corvette Black Books that break down all the changes and updates from year to year that are a great resource.

[@psk5746]

just reinforces how shit American v8 cars are. Honestly work on the chassis, handling and braking more and calm the engine down and they would be better race cars ...

[@alanchidley2745]

I drive a 1975 Corvette all out on a county road. It was like driving a fat over weight under powered slug. They were trash. It is a huge stretch to even call a 70's Vette a sports car. 3,000+ pounds is a family grocery getter. My little 1974 Subaru powered Porsche 1914 could wipe the pavement with that anchor. Oops, I mean Corvette

[@sidefx996]

Well Einstein you picked the lowest horsepower Corvette ever made (besides the '53 and '54 6 cylinder cars), thanks to new emissions and catalytic converters, what did you expect? By the way that "trash" won their class at Lemans in '72, '73 and '74, but I'm sure you knew that already.

[@wydopnthrtl]

From 74-81 the only thing Vette had going for it was that super sexy body shape. The drivetrain was um... ok let me say it this way. My Honda pickup has 100more hp, will handle better, brake quicker, get better mileage and get 3x the mpg. If I could... I'd restomod a 76 with a large displacement LS, T56, stiffen the chassis, and try hard to make it appear as original as I could. It would be a blast to drive (in a straight line but it would just never be as livable as my 04 Z06

[@sidefx996]

@@wydopnthrtl Sure that was the "only thing" Vette had going for it? Because if you check that eight year period from '74-'81 they sold over THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE THOUSAND of them. Took Honda 14 years to sell that many Ridgelines. And anyone who continues to compare a modern car with a 50 year old design is just being an idiot. Nevermind that fact that your 50 year newer vehicle will BARELY out accelerate, out brake, or out handle a 50 year old Vette, if at all. Not sure what exactly you're bragging about. Even during those times the Vette was plenty competitive with and often surpassed other similar sports cars. Everything from that time period looks shitty through today's lens.

[@chriscatarcio2983]

@@sidefx996 single pipe into the converter y out to two. What a pig. No compression. Uggg.

[@edrod3580]

Lol that corvette has no stability, typical American muscle. V8 could not overtake naturally aspirated 4 cylinder JDM.

[@v.e.7236]

The Vette's tires failed him. Good drivung on the part of the 240 driver, baiting the Vette into a corner war he couldn't win because of his weight. Thank you for no obnoxious "background" music, as the engine sounds are always the best soundtrac.

[@seanhwy9761]

Great video editing. Love the inside / outside shots of the two cars racing. thank you thank you for no music.

[@BlendLineTV]

Thanks sean. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@savage22bolt32]

@@BlendLineTV Absolutely fantastic editing! And if you had music playing, you bet I would have complained!

[@keithcargill8428]

Guy in the vette sucks at finding a good line. Should have followed the same line as the z.

[@mrnobody6609]

I own a 1970 Oldsmobile 442, so I'm obviously a huge muscle car lover, but those Zs are some of the coolest fucking cars ever.

[@wydopnthrtl]

When I was in HS in the 80s there was a guy with a Z and a guy with a C3. Even though I am a died in the wool Vette lover... that Z was as cool as could be.

[@warrenlucier5796]

I owned a 72 240Z and a75 280Z, they are momentum cars that handle really well.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

My V8 z has got it 8n the strait to. 😆

[@bernercalito8422]

Independent suspension on the Z cars really work and it a light weight car. I had a 75 280z about 20 years ago.

[@bobhenry6159]

I don't think the vet driver hit a single apex, and it took most of the race for him to figure out which corner (and how) to set up the pass.

[@mb4lunch]

Yep... Diving into the turns way too soon.

[@psk5746]

well we know he's not that smart by his car choice ... lol

[@brucebrooks718]

Looks to me like whoever is driving the Datson is a better driver. Probably not chewing up tires as bad as 'Vette.

[@josephbrady711]

the legendary L28 engine

[@jamierodriguez3554]

The L series is The hemi of Japanese engines-Fact

[@twoeightythreez]

@@jamierodriguez3554 I always thought the L series was more like the Chevy small block of Japanese engines myself. Nissan used them in almost EVERYTHING. The S20 six from the Z432 or the GT-R was Japans Hemi. But if you want to get technical about it, Japan actually HAD A HEMI V8 in the 3V engine (Toyota Century)

[@iliveinthewoods]

I just want to tighten that damn mirror. 🔧🤣

[@mike_oe]

Driving around with a white "Z" painted on your vehicle these days may attract something very nasty 😉

[@Njderig]

Thank you for uploading this without music or talking! Much appreciated.

[@paulhempshall5928]

The Z certainly has him on the cornering. But it's a good job there aren't too many straights cos that vette shines.

[@chefgiovanni]

The Datsun Z handles better and gearing is better for the track. The Vette sounds good and looks good too.

[@tehscope9422]

The Z's lighter as well

[@deeptill6735]

Are we not gonna mention the Mustang that left them both behind?😉

[@Panthercholo]

Power is everything... until you have to turn.

[@doctyler5382]

The 280z has it all over the vette in cornering, the vette in the straightaway, looks like the Z has an advantage here.

[@mikeyp5130]

Sloppy lines...Not enough grip. Too hard on gas coming outta apexs. Its a Vette....against a Z. Good show! Bravo!

[@ancientheart2532]

'No replacement for displacement' Vette vs. Japanese sophistication. Vette was having trouble hooking up. For my money.....give me that raw AMERICAN V8 muscle all day long.

[@truebetold65]

Tell the truth and the truth will be heard 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@fatcat7msk7ru]

Handling vs power 🧐 jdm wins 🤫

[@GSPEED-dw3gs]

and the lighter less powerful 280z took his azz to school to lol

[@LS-uv9gg]

I'm a motorcycle guy, not a car guy, but that was exciting as heck to watch! The sounds of the engines were awesome, so I sincerely loved that there was no hideous music. (or what passes as "music" nowadays, anyway) Thanks!

[@shellez101]

Only a matter of time before he lost it .

[@thomasseyffert1095]

The Z was forcing the Vette to take a super tight line thru that corner, Worked beautifully!

[@MrWkala]

That Vette needs a suspension being done + driver needs to start hitting apexes... It is not about straight line speed as we see

[@zabaleta66]

That Corvette dirty dancing around those corner's! I wonder what I could get a 280Z for, even a motionless body!? Might have to settle for an old Starlet.

[@jeffrobodene1485]

And that's how Corvettes handle. Funny that an old six cylinder Z could give the big, bad Vette a run. Great racing.

[@etravix]

Cool battle. I like both cars but I own a 240Z. Little beast vs Big beast. Tires had given up on the Big beast. Thanks for sharing.

[@MatryBigwave]

🏁The CORVETTE driver certainly isn't giving it all its got! 🏁

[@chriscatarcio2983]

He can only go as fast as those stock size tires will let him.

[@JGCSRT]

Jesus that Corvette was a complete handful in anything but a straight line 😂. Both beautiful cars.

[@Vincepenalty]

Me (280z owner) sending this to my grandpa (corvette owner)

[@judechopper]

yank tanks what more can be said, still cool I was going for Datsun , sorry Mr corvette😢. all that power and not on that track,

[@onemoremisfit]

I wonder what the yellow light under the tach was for.

[@jimclarke1108]

Sunday cruise🤠

[@freddyroschmannporta689]

Datsun suspencion perfecta, estabilidad demuestra que tanto poder sin suspencion no eres nada., hermoso corvette pero el datsun glorioso y hermoso

[@magnummax78]

Half the power, but a better rear suspension, and - 500+ lbs, easy.🧐 I like Corvettes, but I’d rather drive my 240Z on the track. Loads of grip. Just fast enough.😶

[@wydopnthrtl]

Yeah but every time I throttle around a corner with the rear swinging out and yelling ye-ha.. I smile so much it hurts my face.

[@magnummax78]

@@wydopnthrtl, I won’t lie; that’s a shit-load of fun, too.👍🏿 I like to drive the desert roads and canyons with my Z. On a track, it’s some else.🤫

[@richardthompson6366]

The mighty Z, I had to settle for Mom's old B210, ha!

[@the510wagon]

Good battle. That Vette looks like it's a pig to drive. The Datsun Z cars have so much natural balance.

[@darrelpetrie8793]

Typical american car. Go fast in a straight line but can`t turn left or right. When will they learn a dragster isn`t a sports car.

[@wydopnthrtl]

When we have that much torque... who cares 😁

[@chriscatarcio2983]

Go drive Chevy MONZA. Were goggles to hold your eyes in.

[@thecliffold5879]

7:02; Rocky Balboa KO's Apollo Creed!!

[@MegaKei1]

Awesome battle!!!

[@stuartliddle7228]

They would make a stunning pair of slot cars/ scalextric!!

[@truebetold65]

I like both but the Corvette is a masterpiece on wheels 🇺🇸👍

[@ajs-qv5fe]

Hahaha so true, american cars cant take corners

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

Two of my most favorite cars

[@mohanperformance.enginerd.1308]

Swap drivers. Re test.

[@DaveyGa]

Awesome stuff, starting to hook into this channel.

[@BlendLineTV]

That's so cool to hear! Glad you're enjoying the content DaveyGa!

[@lauriedooker1031]

Loved it all it had a lot going for this video . Excellent

[@ljkoh20052000able]

Datsun clearly out raced corvette driver that time

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

That was driving,,, nice 👍 job of keeping that Corvette pointed forward for as long as you did, you had your hands full. Those Datsun z cars can run.

[@synthpro]

Love that vette and the Zcar. It's hard to believe that the Z's OHC inline 6 had about the same power as the 76 corvette back in the day and the Z was much lighter with a better weight balance between front and rear of car. Z also had rack and pinion steering.