There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving a sports car. The feeling of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face can’t be matched. And for those who love sports cars, there’s no better car to drive than the Nissan 200SX.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the iconic Nissan 200SX in great detail. We’ll talk about the history of this amazing car and why so many people love it. If you’re thinking about buying a Nissan 200SX or if you just want to learn more about this incredible car, read on!
History of the Nissan 200SX
The Nissan 200SX (or 240SX, as it’s known in certain parts of the world) is a sports car that was first introduced in the early 1970s. It was originally designed as a compact and lightweight alternative to the larger and more expensive Nissan 300ZX.
Over the years, the 200SX has undergone several redesigns and is currently in its third generation. Although it’s no longer marketed as a true sports car, the 200SX remains a popular choice among enthusiasts due to its nimble handling and relatively affordable price tag.
The current model is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is available with manual and automatic transmissions. With its sleek design and impressive performance, the Nissan 200SX is sure to continue turning heads for years to come.
Engine and Performance Specs
The 200SX is available as a coupe or convertible, and as mentioned above, it comes equipped with a four-cylinder engine. In terms of performance, the 200SX is capable of reaching a top speed of 140 mph and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over eight seconds.
For the 1996 model year, Nissan made some changes to the 200SX’s engine, resulting in an increase in horsepower. However, the most significant change for the 200SX came in 1998, when Nissan replaced the four-cylinder engine with a six-cylinder engine.
This new engine significantly increased the 200SX’s power and performance, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. Today, the 200SX remains a popular choice among driving enthusiasts, thanks to its combination of power and agility.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Nissan 200SX
Let’s take the 1995-1998 Nissan 200SX into consideration for this example.
The Good
- They’re becoming increasingly rare, so they’re bound to go up in value at some point.
- They’re great platforms for modification due to the active enthusiast community (especially if you go with the S14 chassis). You can make them into track beasts, show cars, or drift cars relatively easily. Since they’re not super popular yet, its parts are still relatively affordable.
- They’re fun cars to drive. Decent power from the factory (155hp), rear wheel drive, and a manual transmission make for a pretty entertaining package that’s not too expensive or demanding to maintain.
The Bad
- As mentioned, the car’s parts are becoming harder to find as these cars get older. Nissan stopped making them over 20 years ago so it’s not like you can just go down to the dealership and buy new parts.
One probably has to do some searching online or junkyard diving to find what you need. Since they’re not super common, you might have to pay a bit of a premium for aftermarket parts.
- They’re not the most reliable cars. That’s not to say they’re complete lemons, but you will probably have to do some maintenance on them from time to time. Again, this is something that comes with owning an older car.
- They’re not the most comfortable cars. They are small. So if you’re taller than average, you might find yourself a bit cramped inside. Also, the ride is on the harsher side, so you’ll feel every bump in the road.
- You might want to consider taking out life insurance when driving an older vehicle. You can consider insurance plans from Assurance.
All things considered, the Nissan is a great car. Yes, there are some drawbacks to owning one. But overall, they’re fun cars to drive and can be gotten for relatively affordable prices. If you’re looking for a unique and interesting car, the 200SX should definitely be on your radar.
How to Care For Your Nissan 200SX
Nissan is a powerful car that was built for speed and agility. However, it’s important to remember that this car also needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are a few tips on how to care for your 200SX:
- Make sure to keep the engine oil clean and at the proper level. Dirty oil can cause engine problems, so it’s important to change it regularly.
- Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires as needed. Properly inflated tires help improve gas mileage and provide a smoother ride.
- Inspect the brakes periodically for wear and tear. Brake pads should be replaced when they become worn down.
- Have the alignment checked if you notice uneven tire wear or if the car pulls to one side while driving.
- Take your 200SX in for regular tune-ups. This will help ensure that all the systems are running smoothly and help prevent problems down the road.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your Nissan in top condition for years to come.
Modifications You Can Make to Your Car
The Nissan is a great car straight from the factory. But if you’re looking to make it your own, there are a few modifications you can make to really make it stand out from the crowd.
One option is to change the wheels and tires. Aftermarket wheels can give your 200SX a more aggressive look, and larger tires can improve handling and grip. You can also lower the suspension to improve handling and give the car a more aggressive stance.
Another popular modification is to add a cold air intake. This helps improve airflow to the engine, which can lead to better performance. You can add a K&N filter to help improve airflow even further.
Engine Mods
Any Nissan owner knows that there are a lot of engine modification and customization options available for this vehicle. But with so many choices, it can be tough to know where to start.
One of the most popular modifications is installing a larger turbocharger. This can help to increase airflow and boost power, making your 200SX more capable on the track or in performance driving situations.
Another popular modification is adding a cold air intake. This helps to improve engine efficiency by allowing more cold air into the engine, which can result in better fuel economy. For those who really want to take things to the next level, there are even kits available that allow you to convert your 200SX into a race car.
No matter what your goals are, there are plenty of ways to modify and customize your 200SX to suit your needs.
Where to Find Parts and Accessories For Your Car
When it comes to finding parts and accessories for your Nissan, there are a few different options available to you. One of the most convenient places to look is online. There are a number of websites that specialize in selling aftermarket parts and accessories, and many of them offer competitive prices.
Checking with your local dealership or parts store is another option that can be considered. In some cases, they may be able to order the part or accessory you need directly from Nissan.
Finally, if you know of another owner in your area, they may be able to point you in the right direction. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find the part or accessory you need without too much trouble.