top of page

Explore Every Single Detail About JDM Legend Nissan 240SX


Nissan 240SX Back

Overview of Nissan 240SX


Nissan 240SX is one of the most beloved cars in history that was produced between 1989 to 1998. The outstanding performance and style combination of 240SX has earned it a place in automotive history. It was a standout performer in the sports car segment. This car comes in hatchback and coupe body styles and features a rear-wheel-drive platform. 240SX’s superb handling made it popular among car enthusiasts. Whether a person is fond of drifting or requires performance modifications, 240SX allows it. It was an iconic sports car with a timeless design and lasting impact. Though this vehicle is now out of production, it maintains a significant fan base even after years. Lets explore bigger detail of this JDM Cars legend.


Origin and Evolution


The Nissan 240SX was originally part of the Nissan S platform family. It consisted of the S13 (first generation) and S14 (second generation). The 240SX features affordable RWD sports cars and provides an excellent open-road experience. These cars excelled in the North American market. While these cars were not initially marketed for drifting, they became popular with this aspect due to the S chassis’ performance in various drift competitions.


First Generation


These cars were produced from 1989 to 1994 and were available in hatchback and coupe body styles. S13 was more of a replacement for 200SX from the previous S12 generation. These cars were lightweight and feature a short wheelbase. The horsepower of these cars varies from 140 to 155, but it depends significantly on the trim level and model year. The Nissan's KA24E engine was featured in cars available from 1989 to 1991. The S13 has undergone many updates and improvements throughout its production run, especially in its engine.

The fantastic suspension, good handling, and sharp steering were the top features the S13 was loved for.


Second Generation


S14, the second-generation cars, were produced from 1995 to 1998. The vehicles of this generation were sleeker and had a better aerodynamic design than the previous generation's models. Again, these cars were available both in hatchback and coupe body styles. Nonetheless, these cars featured better handling and refinement. Due to the remarkable suspension upgrades and improvement in its balance, the S14 gained a lot of popularity among sports car enthusiasts.

Though these vehicles have been out of production for many years, there's still a high demand for them, particularly their aftermarket parts.


Nissan 240SX On Road
Nissan 240SX

The Power, Performance, and Efficiency


The power and performance of the Nissan 240SX allowed it to remain an iconic car. It had an engine renowned for its reliability. The 2.4-liter inline-four engine served as an excellent balance for power and efficiency. This helped prevent a lot of maintenance stress while continuously enjoying smooth drives on the road.


 Nissan 240SX  Engine
Nissan 240SX

Though it wasn't much of a fuel efficiency champion, the Nissan 240SX was one efficient car of its time due to its aerodynamic design and lightweight construction. The chassis of this car was more like a canvas, allowing aftermarket upgrades, thereby enhancing the performance and power. The impressive performance of this car can also be credited to its rear-wheel-drive layout. Besides that, the chassis setup and suspension made 240SX a favorite among car enthusiasts.


The first generation Nissan 240SX (S13) was known to produce around 140 to 155 horsepower. In comparison, the second generation 240SX (S14) is built around 155 to 160 horsepower. This generation was known for having slightly better acceleration, with 0 to 60 mph times ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 seconds.

 Nissan 240SX Front

Exploring the Interior Features


When we explore the interior features of the Nissan 240SX, we see a balance of comfort and sportiness. The seating was super comfortable, providing excellent support during drifting. The drivers and passengers stay firmly in place even during sharp turns.

The dashboard of the Nissan 240SX is mainly designed to prioritize driver experience. There's a clean dashboard design featuring essential controls within the driver's reach. 240SX also features a tachometer, speedometer, and other crucial gauges like engine temperature and fuel level. The design is simple. This ensures the driver can monitor performance simply at a glance.


 Nissan 240SX Interior
Nissan 240SX Interior

The leather-wrapped steering wheel adds to comfort and ensures tactile grip. Some of Nissan 240SX's models contain integrated audio controls to ensure convenience.


Interior Color Options

· The black and grey interior was a popular choice

· Higher trim levels of 240SX were equipped with leather upholstery

· Most 240SX offered two-tone interior options

· Red interior was available in some limited edition models

· Tan and beige interiors were available in many trim levels


Exploring the Infotainment Technology


Compared to modern standards, the infotainment features found in the Nissan 240SX were quite basic. However, they usually come with an installed audio system. Parts like cassette decks, AM/FM radio, and premium sound packages were also included.


 Nissan 240SX Interior and Infotainment

Space and Storage in Nissan 240SX


Though you will not find much space in the Nissan 240SX, there is a reasonable interior storage space. There's a glovebox and door pockets for small items. The rear seats of this car were also compact and could be folded down to expand the trunk space further.


Nissan 240SX’s Stand Among Competitors

Affordability was one of the critical factors that made the Nissan 240SX famous compared to its competitors. The combination of performance and style with the RWD layout provided better handling, precise control, and balanced weight distribution. Since it was available in coupe and hatchback body styles, it offered versatility to potential buyers. The timeless design of 240SX ensured its continuous popularity among car enthusiasts.


Pros


Budget friendly than most sports cars

Excellent handling and smooth driving experience

Comes with a reliable engine

Precise handling due to well-tuned suspension

Potential for tuning


Cons


Limited legroom and compact rear seats

Lack of advanced safety features

Not much more fuel-efficient than its competitors


White Nissan 240SX

Decoding Fuel Economy of Nissan 240SX


The fuel economy of the Nissan 240SX typically falls into the range of 19 to 24 mpg combined city and highway. This sporty champ is not a fuel-efficient car, but it strikes a balance between efficiency and power. All this is possible due to the aerodynamics and lightweight design of 240SX.


Pricing

M

 Price of Nissan 240SX Interior

What makes 240SX an Exceptional Drift Car?


The outstanding weight distribution of the Nissan 240SX makes it a legendary drift car. The weight distribution can be rated as 55% in the front and 45% at the rear. Other than that, some not-so-important slots were removed from the car's hood to ensure better aerodynamics. There's an addition of MacPherson suspension at the front and a multi-link rear suspension to provide better handling.

The RWD layout and lightweight chassis attracted the most sports lovers of that time. It indeed had a fantastic tuning potential and aftermarket popularity. Other parts like turbo kits and fuel injectors added more to make it an exceptional drifting car of its time.


Nissan 240SX – An Endlessly Tunable Car?


Nissan 240SX is an endlessly tunable car, which is one reason its cult following up until now. It was considered the perfect canvas for customization and performance modifications. For instance, the 2.4-liter inline four-engine responds very well to changes. Similarly, modifying the suspension components enhances its performance even further on the track.

Though there are many demerits of being an endlessly tunable car, the Nissan 240SX is an exception. The availability of spare parts has never been a problem for 240SX. They can be found quite easily from online vendors and most car mechanics.

From body kits to unique paint jobs, the Nissan 240SX can be modified to your liking. The aftermarket racing seats, gauge, audio systems, and steering wheels, hence any part of its interior, can be customized to enhance style and comfort.


Conclusion

Nissan 240SX was a legendary car that has left permanent marks in the automotive industry. It won the hearts of millions from the time its production started in 1989 to this day, even after the end of its production in 1998. Whether it's balanced chassis, modifiability, or precise handling you are looking for, the Nissan 240 SX wins the heart of every sports car enthusiast with all these features. Like every other vehicle, the 240SX comes with its own set of limitations. It is still celebrated by those who appreciate its unique blend of elements. It is a sports car that offers more than just speed. The design, performance, and power of the Nissan 240SX allow you to have the joy of an open road.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Q: Is the Nissan 240SX still in production?


No, the production of 240SX was ceased back in 1998.


Q: What modifications can be made to 240SX?


Suspension upgrades and engine swaps are the most common modifications made in 240SX. Also, driving this car a drift car is one of the most common modifications.


Q: Was 240SX a good drifter?


The RWD setup makes the Nissan 240SX an excellent drifter. The balanced chassis and modifiability add more to its stability.

27 views0 comments
bottom of page