1968-1973 Datsun 510 — MPG & Fuel Facts NO OFFICIAL EPA RATING

The EPA's public fuel-economy dataset only goes back to 1984 — the 1968-1973 Datsun 510 predates it, so there is no government-rated MPG number for this car anywhere, including here.

Estimated 20–33 MPG combined.

Consumer Guide's own period testing clocked the original 510 at 33.0 mpg in a 1973 roundup of that year's most fuel-efficient cars, while long-running owner/enthusiast consensus (Ratsun forums, 510-specialist sites) describes everyday real-world mileage across a broader 20-30 mpg band depending on the 1.6L engine's tune and body style.

This is our estimate, not an EPA rating — built from the period road tests, marque-specialist guides and corroborated owner reports cited below, hedged where sources vary. Treat it as a ballpark for planning, not a spec to rely on.

The original 510 (not to be confused with Nissan's unrelated second-generation 1978-81 510) used a 1.6L SOHC four (L16) making roughly 96 hp, offered with 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic in sedan, coupe, and wagon body styles. Its light weight (around 2,000 lb) is the main reason for its reputation as an economical 'poor man's BMW.'

Consumer Guide's period-contemporary 'Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 1973' piece lists the 510 at 33.0 mpg using the magazine's own era-specific test procedure (not the EPA's, which didn't exist yet) - a genuine period data point, but not directly comparable to later standardized EPA testing.

No EPA figure exists for this generation: federal fuel-economy testing did not begin until model year 1975, two years after the original 510 was discontinued in the U.S. (its market slot taken over by the 610/710). Owner-forum consensus (Ratsun, 510forsale.com) describes 20-30 mpg in mixed driving, with 'low 30s' achievable on sustained highway trips.

Sources: Consumer Guide, "10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 1973" · 510forsale.com, "Datsun 510 Review: History, Features, Specs" · Ratsun Forums, "Gas Mileage - Your combo?"

All classics Search Datsun 510 on FuelFacts (in case a later model year is in our 1984+ EPA data)