Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Group Test
Date: November 1972
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)

Comparison test: Nissan Bluebird U 1600SSS-E vs. Toyota Celica 1600GTV

The Celica GT and the Bluebird U 1600 SSS compete in the same market in terms of character and price class, and recently variations noteworthy for enthusiasts have been added to both series, namely the Celica GTV and Bluebird U Hardtop 1600 SSS-E featured in this comparison test. Both are equipped with 115ps engines and 5-speed gearboxes, but the Bluebird’s hardtop body is slightly larger and weighs about 60kg more. Needless to say, the Celica GTV is equipped with a DOHC 1588cc engine and two Mikuni Solex 40PHH twin-choke carburetors, while the Bluebird U 1600 SSS-E is equipped with the same Bosch electronic fuel injection as its big brother, the 1800 SSS-E. As mentioned above, both cars have an output of 115ps, but the power peak is 6400rpm for the Celica and 6200rpm for the Bluebird, and the maximum torque is 14.5kgm/5200 and 14.6kgm/4400rpm, respectively, so it can be said that the DOHC Celica is a higher-revving car.

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Test
Date: November 1973
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)

Road testing the Bluebird U 2000GT-X Hardtop

Why they had to go to the trouble of extending the wheelbase to fit that big, sleepy L20 six-cylinder unit in there is beyond our understanding. This is our honest first impression after testing the Bluebird U 2000GT-X. As explained in detail in this month’s new model introduction, this new Bluebird U GT is based on the body of the Bluebird U that was introduced in August 1971, with an extended nose just like the Skyline GT, and a six-cylinder engine crammed into an engine bay originally intended for a four-cylinder engine.

Based on our experience of testing several 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter Bluebird Us, it didn’t seem necessary to equip the car with a six-cylinder engine. If there was a reason for this, it would be Nissan’s usual commercial policy of using engines from high-end models that have already proven their worth in top-of-the-line compact cars (the Skyline and Laurel are good examples of this). But if their goal was to bank on the popularity of the so-called “Sky G” and come up with a similar Bluebird, it would have been a very easy, predictable, and extremely stale product plan. However, what was somewhat reassuring when we actually drove it was that it has a more balanced chassis than any L20-equipped car we have ever experienced. On the other hand, the power performance was once again disappointing.