Buyer's guide
When we are talking about a Nissan S-chassis car, several names get thrown around. 200sx, 240sx, 180sx… what does it mean, and what are the differences? Let’s take a closer look at what the names mean, and what the differences between them are.
The s-chassis cars were introduced in multiple regions, each with a unique name. In North America, the s13 and s14 were introduced as the 240sx, 240 standing for a 2.4-liter engine.
In Europe, the s13 and s14 were introduced as the 200sx, the s13 with a 1.8-liter engine, and the s14 with the 2-liter SR20. The name 200sx doesn’t make too much sense considering the 1.8-liter engine came first.
For the Japanese market, the s-chassis cars were introduced under different names. The hatchback s13 model was called the 180sx. It was first introduced with the 1.8-liter CA18, but that quickly changed to the 2-liter SR20. The name 180sx makes sense in this case because it was first introduced with a 1.8-liter engine. The coupe model of the s13 and any generation from here on out was called a Nissan Silvia. The name 180sx was only ever used for the hatchback s13.
The S13 240sx was available in both a coupe and a hatchback version. The hatchback came with pop-up headlights and the coupe came with fixed headlights. the S14 240sx only had one body style so it was the same in every region.
The S13 200sx was only released as a hatchback with pop-up headlights. It received one facelift during its time, the early models are referred to as ‘Zenki’ and the later models are known as the ‘Chuki’. They each had a different body kit but other than that the differences are minimal.
And the 180sx was the JDM version of the hatchback, also released with pop-up headlights. In total it received two facelifts each with distinct styling. The later model called the ‘Kouki’ is considered the most desirable for its sporty look and upgraded engine. This version of the 180sx came with a distinctively different body kit that included new bumpers, side skirts, rear tail lights, and a spoiler.
The S14 240sx and 200sx had similar styling between both regions so there are no differences there. The main difference as previously discussed in the engine. In terms of body styling, both regions received a facelift in 1996. The facelift is known as the S14a or ‘Kouki’. It featured a completely new aero design with a new aggressive front end. The later model is considered more desirable because of the new styling.
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the 240sx, 200sx, and 180sx was the engine options. Let’s start with the engine options of the 240sx. Both the s13 and s14 240sx came with a naturally aspirated 2.4 liter KA24 engine. The engine got an update with its first facelift in the S13 but generally speaking the engines are very similar and not that exciting.
The 200sx for the European market received a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine in the S13 called the CA18DET. This engine shared a lot of similarities with the Nissan RB engine series and is often referred to as a ‘baby RB’. The 200sx S14 got an SR20DE or SR20DET, the same as in Japan.
The 180sx received a CA18DE or CA18DET, carried over from the S12, but this was quickly replaced in 1991 with an SR20DE or SR20DET. The 180sx got another upgrade at the end of its lifecycle in 1994 when it received the upgraded ‘Blacktop’ SR20DET. Admittedly the difference in performance was negligible. The SR20DET used in the s14 and s15 platforms are completely different beasts.
The main differences between the 240sx, 200sx, and 180sx are the body styles and engine options. All 240sx received a 2.4-liter KA24, the s13 200sx got a CA18, the S14 200sx received an SR20, and the 180sx got either a CA18 or SR20. The s13 240sx was available as either a coupe or hatchback. The s13 200sx and 180sx were only available as a hatchback. The S14 model was similar in body style between the 240sx and 200sx with the main difference being the engine. In Japan, the S14 was renamed to ‘Silvia’.
A says:
I really like the way the looks changed over time even though in the japanese version it’s been really consistant and keeping it shinny