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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Money & Work • Automobile

Nissan 240SX

The Nissan 240SX is a rear-wheel-drive sports compact car sold by Nissan in North America from the 1989 model year through the 1998 model year.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The Nissan 240SX is a rear-wheel-drive sports compact car sold in North America from 1989 to 1998. It became a cult favourite among enthusiasts for its handling and modification potential.

What it is

The 240SX was Nissan's North American answer to the Silvia and 180SX models sold elsewhere. It used a 2.4-litre KA24 inline-four engine and came in two generations: the S13 (1989–1994) and the S14 (1994–1998). Its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout gave it balanced handling that stood out in the compact car segment.

Why it matters

The 240SX became a cornerstone of drifting and tuning culture, especially in Canada and the United States. Its rear-wheel-drive platform and large aftermarket support made it a go-to car for enthusiasts. Even decades after production ended, it remains a common reference point in car communities.

Key details

The 240SX replaced the earlier 200SX (S12) and was built on Nissan's S platform. It was available to Canadian buyers through its entire run, and its popularity in drifting circles has kept it relevant. The car's KA24 engine is known for durability, though it was not turbocharged from the factory.

In short

  • Sold in North America from 1989 to 1998 across two generations (S13 and S14).
  • Rear-wheel-drive with a 2.4-litre KA24 inline-four engine.
  • Highly popular in drifting and tuning communities.
  • Related to the Nissan Silvia and 180SX in other markets.
Canadian angle

The 240SX was sold in North America, so it was available to Canadian buyers and is still familiar to Canadian car enthusiasts and drifting communities.

Quick questions

What is the Nissan 240SX?
It is a Nissan sports compact car sold in North America from the 1989 to 1998 model years.
What engine did the 240SX use?
North American 240SX models used Nissan's 2.4-litre KA24 series inline-four engine.
Why is the 240SX popular with enthusiasts?
It is popular for drifting and modification because of its handling balance and aftermarket support.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_240SX
    Supports: North American introduction, replacement of 200SX (S12), S13 and S14 generations
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Silvia
    Supports: Relationship between the 240SX and Silvia-family export models
  3. Datsuns.comhttp://www.datsuns.com/modelguide/240sx_N.html
    Supports: Rear-wheel-drive layout and KA24E/KA24DE engine information
  4. Carinf.comhttps://www.carinf.com/en/583048064.html
    Supports: Technical specification details including rear-wheel drive and engine displacement