Nissan · 1988–1998

Nissan 240SX

The Nissan 240SX is a sports compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1988 for the 1989 model year, replacing the outgoing 200SX (S12) model. Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989–1994) the S14 (1994-1998) were produced, based on the Nissan S platform. All 240SXs were equipped with the 2.4-liter KA inline-four engine series (the KA24E from 1989 to 1990 and KA24DE from 1990 to 1998). The KA24E has a single overhead cam while the KA24DE has dual overhead cams. The 240SX is closely related to other S platform based vehicles, such as the Japanese-market Silvia and 180SX, and the European-market 200SX. Although their names are similar, the 240SX is unrelated to the 240Z or the 280ZX, which are sports cars based on a different platform than the 240SX. The 240SX is known for its popularity within drifting and tuner culture. However, due to the popularity of the S-chassis in drifting and related competitions, prices for vehicles and parts have greatly increased due to higher demand. This problem is sometimes known as "drift tax".

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Nissan 200SX

All Nissan 240SX data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

First generation (S13; 1989–1994)

The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct versions: the hatchback, which was offered in base, SE, and LE trims, and the coupé, which was offered in base, XE, LE and SE trims. Both styles shared the same front bodywork as the Japanese-market Nissan 180SX, featuring the sloping front with pop-up headlights. This front bodywork distinguishes the coupé model from its Japanese-market counterpart, the Silvia, which featured fixed headlights. Both styles in all markets share the same chassis, and with few exceptions, most components and features are identical. A convertible model built by ASC was offered late in the first generation 240SX's lifespan from 1993 to 1994 and was based on the coupé models. 1989 and 1990 models are powered by a naturally aspirated 140 hp (104 kW), 152 lb⋅ft (206 N⋅m) 2,389 cc (2.4 L; 145.8 cu in) SOHC KA24E four-cylinder engine with three valves per cylinder (instead of the turbocharged and intercooled 1.8 L DOHC CA18DET offered in Japan and Europe for the Silvia, 180SX and 200SX respectively). When tested by Car and Driver, the SOHC 240SX achieved a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 8.6 seconds and a quarter mile time of 16.4 seconds at 83 mph (134 km/h). Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with anti-lock brakes available as an option on the SE. Both models were offered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Coupes offered a Heads-up display (HUD) with a digital speedometer as part of the optional Power Convenience Group. The 240SX received some updates in 1991. The matte silver, teardrop wheels were replaced by polished aluminium 7-spoke wheels that had better brake cooling properties but more drag. The nose was smoothed out by getting rid of the non-functional slots and gave back the aerodynamic effi

Second generation (S14; 1994–1998)

The second generation 240SX was released in the spring of 1994 as a 1995 model. The hatchback and convertible body styles were eliminated, leaving only the coupe. The wheelbase of the car grew 2 in (51 mm) and the track width was also increased, while the overall length of the vehicle was slightly shorter than the previous generation. The curb weight of the vehicle increased by about 80 lb (36 kg) relative to the 1994 model. During this generation, all 240SXs were built in Kyūshū, Japan. Dual air bags were added and the automatic seatbelts were replaced with common manual type. Cup holders were also eliminated. The pop-up headlamps were replaced with fixed headlamps. Though the general layout remained the same, almost all parts were redesigned to the extent that very few parts are interchangeable. The chassis was changed slightly to increase stiffness (Nissan claimed 50% torsional, 100% bending rigidity increase) and utilized higher rear strut mounts. The fuel tank, previously located at the rear end under the trunk floor, now sits in front of the rear suspension and behind the rear seats. The second generation carried over the naturally aspirated DOHC KA24DE engine from the first generation, producing the same 155 bhp (157 PS; 116 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm, but with internal revisions for improved throttle response and reduced shake and vibration. When tested by MotorWeek, the 240SX achieved a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 7.3 seconds and a quarter mile time of 15.5 seconds at 89 mph (143 km/h). Upon its launch, Nissan said the primary target demographic for the new 240SX was single women with no children, stating that women already made up 61% of 240SX buyers, and that they hoped to increase that number. The base model had 4-lug, 15

Motorsports

=== Circuit Racing === The IMSA GTU-spec Nissan 240SX was built to compete in the IMSA GTU class, featuring a custom-fabricated tube chassis and a naturally aspirated Nissan VG30 V6 engine with a dry sump which produced around 340 horsepower. While externally resembling a standard Nissan S13, very few components are shared with its production counterpart; according to Speedhunters, "The roofline and taillight lenses are some of the only parts [shared] with a normal S13". The car was originally driven by veteran Datsun and Nissan racer Bob Leitzinger. The chassis, numbered LR-001, participated in nearly 80 competitive events, and aided Nissan in winning four consecutive IMSA GTU manufacturers' championship titles between 1991 and 1994. As of September 2016 the car is owned and raced by Philip Mendelovitz Drifting. The Nissan 240SX is a popular platform within the drifting community, both in amateur competition as well as in professional series such as Formula D. Although never marketed to the drifting community during its production, its Japanese counterparts, the Nissan 180SX and Nissan Silvia (S13), were adopted in Japan during the foundational years of drifting. They were chosen for their balanced weight distribution of 55/45 front to rear, and their overall lightweight RWD layout.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Nissan 240SX

Manufacturer

Nissan

Class

Sports car

Production

1988–1998

Layout

FR layout

Platform

Nissan S platform

Assembly

Japan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Motor Kyūshū)

Related

Nissan Silvia, Nissan 180SX/200SX

Predecessor

Nissan 200SX

Model years

1989-1998

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3274515CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_240SXCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1362920587 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1989-1990_Nissan_240SX.jpgPublic domain · Photo: IFCAR · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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