The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct variants:
Zenki (otherwise known as the pignose) and
Chūki. Each of these variants came in two distinct styles: hatchback (base and SE) and coupe (base, SE, and XE). The coupe was closely related to the Japanese-market Silvia. It differed from the Silvia by having retractable headlamps (United States headlight height regulations prevented the use of the Silvia headlamp arrangement). The hatchback (commonly confused with a fastback) was closely related to the Japanese-market 180SX. The two styles share the same chassis, and with few exceptions, most components and features are identical. Notably, Nissan marketing and documentation almost exclusively used the term "fastback" in relation to the hatchback model. However, due to differences of the hinge location, the car is technically not a true fastback, though it is frequently mistaken for such.
The
Zenki (前期, lit.
preceding period engine with 3 ) was sold under model years 1989 through 1990. It was powered by a 140 hp (105 kW) 2.4-litre SOHC KA24Evalves per cylinder instead of the 1.8-litre DOHC CA18, with no turbocharged engine available in the United States. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with antilock brakes as an option on the SE. Both models were offered with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. Coupes offered a Head-Up Display showing a digital speedometer as part of the optional Power Convenience Group.
S13 "Chuki"
The
ChĹ«ki (ä¸ćśź, lit.
middle period ) was available from model years 1991 to 1994. This gave the car an overhaul that included mostly minor body modifications and an upgrade to the engine. The Zenki front bumper was replaced by a smoother, more modern-looking bumper, and a new (LE) hatchback trim package was added that included leather interior. The SOHCKA24E was replaced by a new DOHC KA24DE with 4 valves per cylinder that produced 15 more hp, for a total output of 155 hp (116 kW). An optional sports package including a limited slip differential and Nissan's HICAS four wheel steering was added to the hatchback. In 1992, a convertible body style was added to the lineup. It was exclusive to North America and was partially assembled in Japan, with final assembly taking place in the California facilities of American Specialty Cars (ASC).
For the 1994 model year, the only available car was a Special Edition of the Convertible body style with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The S13 was known for its sharp steering/handling (thanks to front MacPherson struts and a rear multilink suspension) and relatively light weight (2600 lb) but was regarded in the automotive press as being underpowered. The Nissan KA24E engine, while durable, was a heavy, iron-block unit that produced meager power for its size, with only slight improvement when upgraded to the DOHC version. This engine is the main difference between North America's 240SX and world-market Silvia/180SX.
1995-1998 "S14"
The second generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct variants,
Zenki and
Kouki.
The 240SX was redesigned with the S14 Silvia body in spring 1994 as an early 1995 model. The hatchback and convertible were eliminated, leaving only the coupe. The wheelbase of the car grew 2 inches, while the overall length of the vehicle was slightly shorter than the S13. The curb weight of the vehicle went up about 23 pounds from the S13 with the SE at 2753 lb (1249 kg). Aside from adding dual air bags and removing the pop-up headlights, the S14 was almost the same car as the S13 mechanically, with the main differences being cosmetic. The chassis received a host of minor detail changes, however.
From 1995 to 1996 the 240SX is considered the
Zenki model. The base model had 15-inch wheels, a softer suspension, and no rear sway bar. The SE model came equipped with 16-inch, 5-lug alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension than the base model, and a rear sway bar. Antilock brakes and a limited-slip differential came as an optional package to the SE model.
S14 "Kouki"
From 1997 to 1998 the 240SX is considered the
Kouki/kōki (後期, lit.
latter period) or
S14a model. The change mainly included updated bodywork - aggressive projector headlights; a new front bumper, hood, and fenders; and revised taillights. A luxury LE edition joined in mid 1997, equipped with leather seats, keyless entry, an antitheft system, and a CD player. Side skirts were now standard on the SE and LE trim level. The 1998 marked the end of production for the Nissan 240SX, with no further variations of the S platform released in America.
