The American version of this car is the subject of this article. For details on the Japanese version, refer to Nissan 180SX, and for details on the S13 and S14 platform in general, refer to Nissan Silvia.
Nissan launched the 240SX, a sporty compact automobile, to the North American market in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It took the place of the previous 200SX (S12) model. The 2.4-liter inline 4 engine was used to the majority of 240SX vehicles (KA24E from 1989 to 1990 and KA24DE from 1990 to 1998). While the KA24DE had two overhead cams, the KA24E only had one. The Nissan S platform was used to create the S13 (1989–1994) and S14 (1994–1998), two unique models of the 240SX.
The 240SX shares a tight relationship with other S platform-based cars, including the 200SX sold in Europe and the Silvia sold in Japan. The 240SX is unrelated to the 240Z or 280ZX, despite the nomenclature being similar.
Even though it is no longer manufactured, drifter and tuners continue to enjoy it. However, costs for cars and parts have surged as a result of the S-chassis’ popularity in drifting events; this is commonly referred to as “drift tax.” [Reference needed] Numerous video games, such as Midnight Club and Forza Motorsport, include the Nissan 240SX.
In This Article...
Discover All the Nissan 240sx Model Differences
Nissan released the well-known throwback sports car known as the 240SX in the latter part of the 1980s. It was produced from 1989 to 1999 as the Nissan 200SX’s replacement. Despite being produced in Japan, the automobiles were well-liked all around the world.
1989 to 1994 for the First Generation (S13 Chassis).
An intriguing truth is that the S13 Nissan Silvia, which was released in Japan in the middle of 1988 but was promoted as the 1989 model year, is where the 240SX’s roots can be found.
A few months after it was released, the 1989 S13 Nissan Silvia, which was so well-liked by buyers, earned the prestigious Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) title.
In addition, Nissan unveiled the “180SX,” a hatchback version of the S13 Silvia. The only significant difference was that the Nissan 180SX was a hatchback with pop-up headlights while the S13 Nissan Silvia was a coupe with fixed headlights.
Another difference is that the 180SX only had a 1.8 liter CA18DET engine, but the S13 Silvia had a choice of a CA18DE (naturally aspirated) or CA18DET (turbocharged) engine.
Naturally, Nissan intended to export its beloved Japanese vehicle to the American and European markets, but there was just one issue: using the same CA18DET engine in the North American market was too costly and time-consuming.
Instead, Nissan gave the 180SX cars intended for the American market the KA24E engine and renamed them “240SX.” However, despite having a CA18DET standard engine, the European versions made on the S13 chassis were referred to as “200SX.”
Although they were technically built on the same S13 chassis, the 180SX, 200SX, and 240SX had distinct engines. As you may have observed, the 180SX and 240SX are both called after the engines that were initially installed: the 180SX had a CA(18)DET engine, while the 240SX had a KA(24)E engine.
Our guide comparing the 180SX and 240SX details all the subtle distinctions between both vehicles.
Anyway, the Nissan 240SX was made available in coupe and hatchback body styles when it was first released to North America in 1989.
Nissan opted to improve the Japanese S13 Silvia/180SX and North American 240SX engines later in 1991. The Nissan S13 Silvia/180SX was updated with a 2 liter SR20DE (naturally aspirated) and SR20DET engines, while the Nissan 240SX received an upgrade with a DOHC (dual overhead cam) KA24DE engine.
Sadly, for the American market, the 240SX built on the S13 chassis was no longer produced after 1994. Similar to that, the 1993 saw the end of the European S13 200SX. But the S13 platform was so well-liked in Japan that the 180SX continued to be offered until 1998.
S13 Nissan 240SX
The 200SX from the preceding S12 generation was replaced by the Nissan 240SX (S13 generation) in 1989. In the years 1989 and…
The 200SX from the preceding S12 generation was replaced by the Nissan 240SX (S13 generation) in 1989. The Nissan KA24E engine, a 2.4-liter inline-4 with a single overhead cam and 140 horsepower, was installed in the 240SX between 1989 and 1991. It was modified to the 155 horsepower KA24DE with two overhead cams between 1991 and 1994. Either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission was used to drive the back wheels. As of 1992, the 240SX was offered in three different body types: hatchback, coupe, and convertible, each with a different level of trim. For the 1995 model year, the 240SX (S14 generation) took its place.
A 1989 Nissan 240SX sold for $54,000 on January 17, 2022, was the highest selling ever.
A: On December 22, 2020, a 1994 Nissan 240SX SE Convertible sold for $5,500, according to sales records.
A Nissan 240SX is a Silvia, right?
Nissan produces a line of compact sports vehicles known as the Silvia (Ri Chan shirubia in Japanese, Nissan Shirubia in Hepburn). For export, some Silvia models have been marketed as the 200SX or 240SX, while others have been offered under the Datsun name.
Sylvia, the name of the nymph who served Diana, the Roman goddess of virginity and the hunt, is where the name “Silvia” comes from. The Latin equivalent of the name is “forest.”
Are Nissan 240SX vehicles reliable?
The Nissan 240sx excels at lacking charisma. Although enjoyable to drive, it is not very athletic and the handling is unremarkable. It lacks the power to overtake the majority of contemporary family sedans on the highway with its 155 horsepower at the crank. A 6 foot frame may fit comfortably within, and the trunk has enough room for storage. Beautiful to look at and available in a few different trim levels with a variety of cosmetic options, some of which make it appear lot sportier than it actually is. Even though it’s underpowered and uninspiring, I still had a great time driving it and would buy one if I could find one that wasn’t changed. Beware of former owners who mistreated these vehicles in an effort to emulate the Fast and the Furious cast, as well as corrosion.
What makes it a 240SX?
The reason Nissan cared to use distinct names for its various markets may have puzzled you, but their first-generation engines are the real culprit.
The 1.8L CA18DET engine of the 180sx and the 2.4L KA24E engine of the 240sx were each given names. Even if the engine metrics changed after that (more on that is below), the names persisted, thus they were maintained.
Despite the different names, the two cars are actually essentially the same in terms of design.
There are also more distinctions, some of which result from the various legal and safety frameworks between the US and other countries, and others which are just aesthetic.
What are the distinctions between the two? This is where we now get into the meat of the subject.
What distinguishes the 240SX from the S14?
What distinguishes the 240sx from the 240sx (S14) then? Do the letters (S14) mean it has the same chassis as the Silvia?
And is a 123sx (180, 200, & 240) simply a Silvia with a different engine, different steering wheel location, and minor other differences?
Simply put, it’s an odd thing in the game. What matters most in this situation is that Poly did something strange when they included these automobiles in the game. The two autos you listed are identical to one another. Just listed twice, the vehicle is the same. A 1996 S14 is a 1996 240sx. Does that assist?
It would be more realistic to say that the 180/200sx is simply a Silvia with a different body style. The SX automobiles were primarily hatchbacks, but the Silvia is a coupe-only vehicle. With the exception of the KA24, which was once again a US-only model, the engines are shared between the Silvia and SX vehicles.
What is the name of a 240SX in Japan?
A sports automobile produced between 1989 and 1999 is the Nissan 240SX. In Japan, this car is known as the Silvia (a small blue bird in Japan).
From 1989 to 1995, the car was an S13 model (S means for Silvia and 13 refers for the Mark model), and from 1995 to 1999, the car was an S14 model (this is not entirely accurate for purists), which is known as Nissan 240sx outside of Japan.
This vehicle has become well-known and esteemed in the drifting community. It is considered a “must-have!” They abruptly began speaking in Japanese.
The 240SX’s merits as a decent drift vehicle
The Toyota AE86 is widely regarded as the ideal drifting vehicle. This little, light, and agile RWD coupe, also known as the “Hachiroku,” is responsible for popularizing drifting in the modern era. But despite the iconic Toyota’s importance to the drifting community, aficionados frequently overlook the Nissan 240SX, better known as the Silvia in Japan.
Even though it arrived later than the AE86 to the drifting scene, the 240SX continued and improved upon what the AE86 had begun. The Nissan 240SX also brings easier power upgrades to the table, which are crucial in the drifting sphere. These upgrades are based on the same principles as the Nissan 240SX: front engine and rear wheel drive configuration, affordable price, lightness, simple mechanics, and balanced weight distribution. But first, let’s look at the Silvia/240SX’s drifting history before we go into tuning.