I had a 240Z in high school and over 15 other car as I bought/sold cars a lot. Loved the 240Z. I think the engine may have had some modifications--it pulled real hard and harder as the rpms increased. 1st and 2nd had a very long range. Wish I still had the car.

 

Hi Glen,
I've owned my 280Z since new in 1978, and it will soon undergo its third restoration. I always thought it beautiful but it feels older than my much older Pantera. I suspect that it feels that way for two reasons: First, even with the bigger engine by '78, it still feels underpowered, secondly, the complete hard plastic of the back hatch area, creaks and rattles so much that there is no pleasure, and it just doesn't feel as tight as the Pantera. When I redo it this time, we will either work over the straight 6 cyl. engine to get some more guts or maybe I'll do the Chevy small block transplant which is commonly done. I'd prefer not to cut up an absolutely original car but I just don't have the desire to drive it any longer the way it is. Plus the straight six because of its narrowness in the engine bay, allowed for more leg room than any other car I have ever driven. We'll see. But next time you come out, plan on spending some time and taking both cars out for a spin.

 

I seem to remember that the 240Z actually had better performance specs than the 280Z since it was lighter and had fewer emissions controls to suppress the performance.

 

Yes, 240Z's are highly sought after still for their potential even with a smaller displacement. At the time the 280Z's more reliable fuel injection was a big upgrade but today it's easy enough to modernize the fuel injection on either of them.

 

If anyone wants a (practically) brand new Z...
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-datsun-280z-39/

 

New Z growing on me with more pics!