People who really love cars sometimes find it hard to choose between the Nissan 240SX and the Datsun 240Z. They have left quite a big mark on the topic of car culture. The Nissan 240SX that came out during the 1990s is something that people who like to tune cars and drift really love. This car has a rear-wheel-drive setup. So it's a good option for people who want to make changes to it.
When you look into the Datsun 240Z you'll find that this car came out in the 1970s. It is really famous for its classic design and the classic sports car feeling it gives. This car speaks to people who really like nostalgia and like looking at the history connected to cars. I have always personally admired the sleek look of this particular car.
Most people know that each of these cars adds something that reflects the time period it comes from. The 240SX has a few examples of the modern engineering seen in the 1990s. While the 240Z shows the pioneering spirit that was familiar during the 1970s. When you take some time to learn about what makes each car special. It's a nice way to help you choose which car fits you the best.
So let's take some time to look more closely at what makes these two legendary cars are different from each other!
What Makes The 240Z Special?
The Datsun 240Z came out in 1969 and it has attracted a lot of attention from people ever since. The smooth design took some ideas from the Jaguar E-Type. You could really see that in the long front and the fastback back part of the car. It was a new look that the market really wanted and everyone seemed to really like it too. I still remember thinking "Now that's a car to get excited about!"
It was more than just how it looked. There was some serious work done under the hood as well. A 2.4-liter engine pushed out a strong 151 horsepower. It even had a four-speed manual gear system. That setup let you go from 0 to 60 mph in around just 7.8 seconds. It really made you feel full of life when you drove it. It was like the car had its own heart beating inside.
The way it handled was very special too. The 240Z was so much fun on those curvy roads thanks to its completely independent suspension and the rack-and-pinion steering. You could take tight turns without any trouble and the car seemed to respond to every move that you made. It's that feeling when you think to yourself "Maybe I can take this turn a little faster."
You could have felt that buyers just had to have it. Tens of thousands were bought in the U.S. each year during the early'70s. It wasn't only luck - it showed that Datsun could compete with European businesses like Porsche and Alfa Romeo. When you give top-level performance and style without the high price tag it was a big change for everyone. Who wouldn't want that?
Naturally enough the 240Z proved its worth on the racetrack too. Drivers like John Morton and Paul Newman raced it and that adds to its "famous" status. It was really something special to see your car out there winning races. It was more than just when you have a car. It just felt like you were part of something much bigger.
In ways this car did more than just make a splash. It helped change what people thought Japanese car makers could do. Japan stood in the spotlight and they showed that they could go up against the best. Always remember the 240Z when it comes to classic cars. It's a true classic and an icon that really changed the game.
What's to Love About The 240SX?
When you have to choose between the Nissan 240SX and the Datsun 240Z, you might find that the 240SX can give you a combination of both worlds.
It has modern features together. It adds a bit of beauty to the experience. It is a car with rear-wheel drive, and it feels light and nimble. This makes each turn on the road feel as if the car naturally flows with your movements. In most cases you could find that it responds well to what you do. It may even seem almost like the car can become a part of you. I think that driving a 240SX can make even the simplest trips feel way more fun!
Back in the 1990s the 240SX was really popular with the young car fans. It was a car that didn't cost too much, and it was a blast for anyone to drive. The prices have gone up recently because they are becoming harder to find these days. At the time they were quite the good deal for many.
One thing that makes it feel special is how easy it is for someone to change and personalize it. You have the option to swap the engines to get the power of more than 500 horsepower. You can also change the suspension to help it handle the corners better. There's a big aftermarket community for it so you have the opportunity to really make the car feel very personal. It's like having a project that you can match to your own personal style.
In most cases drifting is a large part of the story of the 240SX. It has a well-balanced chassis, and it's loved by people who like motorsports. Imagine taking it to a local track day or a drift event - it's about more than just the adrenaline rush. Actually it's also about the community that you can become a part of. The owners have stories about late nights working on their cars and the memorable drives they have taken. This adds a personal feeling to owning one of these cars.
These days the 240SX is still liked very much by the car enthusiasts. Even though older cars sometimes bring challenges with costs and maintenance, it's a platform with the flexibility for different projects. If you feel bored with the familiar choices out there, then the 240SX could just be the adventure you want to experience. If you're interested in making the engine more powerful or changing the suspension, it can match your different interests. Plus it has back seats so you have the option to take your friends along on spontaneous trips.
When put side by side with the classic 240Z the 240SX sometimes shows up with the more reliable performance of the two. In most cases you will find parts for it with less trouble than for the 240Z since it's a newer car. This makes it a better pick if you're looking for something dependable. The 240SX keeps on being liked and respected as a modern classic car. In a world that is always trying to chase after the newest thing sometimes a legendary car from the 1990s is hard to beat indeed. It definietly stands out in its own way!
How Do They Perform?
When you get into what people call the classic car community, you have to know that the 240Z and the 240SX are two models. They really stand out in their own ways. The 240Z has a classic 2.4L or 2.6L inline-6 engine - this engine can give you some of that vintage rumble that we really like. There's something about the way the power comes on that just feels right. It has back the old-school beauty that is so hard to copy. But if you try to see how it stands up against modern performance cars, you'll find the 240Z has less power.
The 240SX can give you a more modern feel. It actually has a 2.4L inline-4 engine. Even though 140 horsepower does not sound like quite a bit, the car's lighter structure makes it peppy enough. What really makes the 240SX fun is the potential to make upgrades.
If you want to go for modifications, you can push your power to about 400-450 horsepower at the wheels. When you put in something like an SR20DET engine, you can achieve this. I have actually seen this done and the difference is very clear. It's special to see how much performance you can unlock when you have the right upgrades.
When we're talking about handling the 240Z has balanced weight distribution with the rear-wheel drive which is a good starting point. But if you choose to add something like a V8 engine into the setup, the front end can become heavier.
This change in weight balance could cause traction issues when you're in tight corners. It's a challenge but some drivers like to work with their setups to get everything just right. Part of the fun is to make the car your very own creation.
The 240SX stands out when it comes to handling. Its multilink rear suspension can give it agility that feels like it's right at home on the street and also on the track. With close to perfect 53/47 weight distribution it really works with corners without any issues. If you want to get into drifting then this car can be a great choice. The balance and control you get make it easier to start and keep a drift going. This is an excitement I personally really like.
When looking at street and track performance the 240Z is really a joy to drive around in town. Its classic look and character make every single trip special. But if you take it to the track you could see that the heavier front end especially with different engine swaps affects how it works. It will need some finesse to manage it but that can be part of the fun.
The 240SX feels very responsive and lively right from the start. The quick-changing gears and tight steering make it very fun to drive. On the track it can hold its own and I have seen these cars running good quarter-mile times in what people call the high 10-second range. That is really quick for a car of its class.
So how do these cars meet what people expect today? If you're someone who loves the nostalgia of a classic car and you're okay with putting time and effort into maintenance, the 240Z is a must. It has an ownership experience that is very hard to match. But if you're looking for something better that still has room for performance improvements, the 240SX is a good pick. It's reliable enough for driving and can give you the flexibility to modify it to your heart's content.
The 240Z and the 240SX have quite a bit to give you. It really comes down to what you're looking for in a car. Do you want the beauty of a vintage car? Or are you more interested in a car that is ready for modern tuning and performance? Either way you're in for a rewarding experience!
What Is The Cost Of Ownership?
Are you thinking if you should get the Nissan 240SX or maybe the Datsun 240Z? I have gone through that process myself, and I know that it's not really an easy choice at all.
If you research your options, you'll find that the 240SX is a really nice choice. It's great if you want to get into the Japanese sports cars. It also lets you not have to spend a whole lot of money. Early models like the S13 sometimes go for prices as low as $2000. That is really pretty much a steal to me! Plus there's a big community full of enthusiasts who really love to make changes to these cars. You'll find lots of forums and clubs with people who are ready to share tips on how to make the upgrades. They can also help you learn how to perform maintenance.
With the 240Z on the other hand, it definitely does come with a much bigger price tag. The well-maintained examples can cost you more than $60000. If you choose to restore one, it's not very cheap at all and it's not always easy either. The parts can be really tricky to find - sometimes it can feel just like looking for unicorns! If you care about being authentic, get ready for a really tough challenge.
Even with this, the beauty that comes with the 240Z still cannot be matched by anything else. To own one may turn out to be a very rewarding experience. Especially when you have a passionate community right by your side for the support. Sites like Hybrid-Z are a blessing - so many helpful people who are willing to help you on your build.
Most of the time, the 240SX can usually be easier when it comes to maintenance. The parts are easier to get, and your wallet can feel some relief. You get to have fun by swapping the engines and making performance upgrades without having to empty your bank account. This car really lets you make your ride more personal without having too much trouble.
Sometimes the 240Z can cause some real obstacles. Rust is a pretty familiar enemy, and the mechanical problems may appear because of its age. The legal matters and insurance issues could need extra attention from you but sometimes the classic car insurance rates can be lower which is a nice bonus if you do not drive it every single day.
The 240SX usually ends up being much easier legally speaking - especially in states like California. You might want to go this route it if you want to stay away from the extra rules and regulations in states that have SMOG laws or that grandfather older vehicles. You can have just about any engine under your hood and straight pipes and you don't have to get it smog tested because of its age.
All of these cars of course come with their share of the hidden costs. If it's expensive restoration work for the 240Z, there's plenty for you to think about. Undoing the modifications on a 240SX before selling it is also something to consider. It really comes down to the type of adventure you're looking for. Which path really feels right to you?
Build Your Dream Car
When it comes to the great cars it really helps you remember how these vehicles can touch your lives. They do this in special and real ways. If you think that every car model is able to tell a story about your dreams and the person you are. It's wild how a car can become more than just a machine. It turns into a part of your life when you show others a look at your own personality. Sometimes I feel like my car is an extension of who I legitimately am!
You could have a deep love for classic cars - especially those with a great history. Or maybe you like a modern and flexible ride like the 240SX which can get your heart racing. I personally get a fun feeling from driving a well-restored classic car down the roads that are very familiar to me. There's also something really fun about customizing a sleek car for fun drives on the track. In most cases I find myself thinking about the stories that you'll create with your car. It's that passion and excitement that keeps us doing what we do.
We're true enthusiasts who love classic Datsun models just like you do. To help preserve classic cars by making their looks and performance better can be really satisfying. That's where Skillard comes into the picture - that's us!
Imagine being able to bring your ideas to life with custom parts made specifically for Datsun cars. Cars like the 240Z, 260Z and 280Z. We have you with quality parts like bumpers, spoilers, center consoles and aluminum door cards. Each of these was built to give classic cars a new lease on life.
At Skillard we're here to give you the support you need for your process. Products made with care and attention to even the smallest details. If you're an experienced restorer or someone who is just starting out. We have exactly what you need to start or continue your project. Please check out our full catalog on Skillard.com and see what cool options are waiting for you. Let us help you turn your car dreams into reality. So do you feel ready to take on this fun adventure? Your next special car story is just waiting to happen.