Let’s take a dive into this car’s history and examine why the S14 Silvia was so memorable.
The S14, a lively sports coupe that was sold from 1993 to 1998, was an important car that was included in the Nissan S-platform. While the S15 was easier to recognize and had a respected legacy and the S13 transformed into an iconic car, the S14 is a JDM car that deserves recognition because of two defining characteristics: Its physical appearance and lightweight made this car incomparable.
The Nissan Silvia name varied based on what part of the world drivers lived in, as Europeans referred to this car as the Nissan 200SX, and North Americans called it the 240SX. North Americans could have purchased this car between 1995 and 1998. The 2400SX had the KA23DE engine, the same engine used in the Nissan Pathfinder.
The S14 was a major upgrade from the S13, as the car received a makeover and was wider in 1993. The S14 asserted its influential presence in the drift racing industry and integrated quickly into Japanese culture.
Debuting in Japan in 1993, the S14 had noticeable differences from its ancestor. The wheelbase and width expanded, with the former having a 99.4-inch measurement and the latter having a 68-inch measurement. This was a pivotal point in the Japanese economy, as the Japanese now had expensive road taxes to pay. Interest in RVs and SUVs were growing, and S14 sales began to decline. While the S14 was offered in three styles- the fastback, convertible, and coupe- the external circumstances impacted Nissan, and the S14 was soon available only as a coupe.
While the discontinuation of the fastback and convertible models was a setback, it’s crucial to note that the coupe was still a potent car. The S14 was lower to the ground than the previous models in this line-up. Redesigned headlamps and taillights gave the car a more dynamic look. Overall, the S14 was a sporty car and a joy to drive.
SR20DET
The S14’s performance was just as formidable as its exterior design. The 2.0-liter engine was responsible for generating 217 horsepower, while Americans received a 2.4-liter engine. Drivers could choose between four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission. It was the engine that contributed to the S14’s image as a car that was exciting to drive: The rear-wheel-drive composition was ideal, and the S14 almost reached 50:50 weight distribution. 50:50 weight distribution was a superb trait to have, as tire pressure improved and there was no clumsy handling. Drivers gripping the wheel noticed that it was a steady and fixed ride. Suspension was additionally stellar. The amazing fusion of rear-wheel drive and a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution resulted in great breaking and great acceleration. Turning was smooth and effortless. Flexible and agile, the S14 was quick to react, much to the driver’s delight.
All these impressive traits further make us not surprised to hear that the character Letty Ortiz from the Fast and Furious loved her Nissan Silvia S14. The talented racer even beat a Mazda RX-7 with her S14.
And so the S14 embarked on a thrilling racing career. The S14 made appearances in the All Japan Grand Towing Car Championship, competing with top-notch cars like the Nissan Skyline GTR and Ferrari F40. The S14 secured a win in 1997.
The Japanese weren’t just seeing the car on the racetracks. Cars belonging to the Nissan S line-up made their way onto viewer’s television screens, as the cars appeared on the automotive show Video Option.
If the S14 got your attention and the features have left you enthralled, the pricing may remain an issue as you seek to buy this car. These cars were easy to amend and had affordable prices, so a huge chunk of them was reworked or destroyed. A flawless S14 that has not endured renovations and has escaped untarnished is a rare find, so expect high rates. A June 2020 MotorBiscuit mentions that “Imported Silvias, sold by importers like Toprank and Japanese Classics, often go for $15,000-$20,000. It’s not impossible to find a Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, or even a Porsche Cayman, at that price point.” Make no mistake, the pay-off sounds promising, and you’ll understand why the dynamic Fast and Furious characters loved this Nissan so much.
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