The Ultimate 240sx S14 vs S14a Guide, from performance to design styling:
The Nissan 240SX S14 and S14a are two of the most iconic sports cars of the 1990s. These models share many similarities in terms of design, features, and performance, but there are some key differences between them that car enthusiasts should be aware of. While the S14 is known for its angular and streamlined exterior design, basic and utilitarian interior, and respectable performance, the S14a is known for its aggressive and modern exterior design, refined and modern interior, and turbocharged engine that offers impressive acceleration and top speed. .
For those who are passionate about sports cars, the decision to purchase either an S14 or an S14a is a tough one. Both models offer great performance and handling, but the S14a may be a better choice for those seeking a more capable and engaging driving experience. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual preferences and needs.
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between the S14 and S14a models in more detail, and provide insights that can help car enthusiasts make an informed decision when purchasing a Nissan 240SX. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of sports cars, this guide will provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The exterior designs of the Nissan 200SX S14 and S14a are iconic and easily distinguishable. The S14 has a classic, angular design with a sloping front end, a low and understated front bumper, side skirts, and a distinctive rear spoiler. The design is streamlined and streamlined, featuring fixed headlights that are integrated into the front end of the car. The S14 has a refined and elegant appearance, which is often associated with the 1990s era.
In contrast, the S14a has a more modern and aggressive design. It has a sharper, more angular appearance with pronounced side skirts and a smaller rear wing. The S14a also features fixed headlights, but they are larger than those on the S14, and the air intake is significantly larger, giving the car a more powerful and sporty look. The S14a has a more futuristic design, reflecting the changing tastes and aesthetics of the early 2000s.
Both the S14 and S14a are well-known for their exterior designs, which have been praised for their unique and attractive appearance. Car enthusiasts often debate which design is better, with some preferring the classic and understated look of the S14, while others prefer the more aggressive and modern appearance of the S14a. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual preferences, and both designs continue to be admired by car enthusiasts today.
Interior Design
The interior designs of the Nissan 200SX S14 and S14a reflect the changing trends of the 1990s and early 2000s. The S14 has a sporty and minimalistic interior with cloth seats, a simple dashboard, and easy-to-read gauges. The steering wheel is traditional, and the windows and locks are manually operated. The interior of the S14 is designed to be functional and utilitarian, reflecting the car’s sporty and performance-oriented nature.
In contrast, the S14a has a more luxurious and refined interior. It features leather seats, a stylish dashboard, power windows and locks, and air conditioning. The driver and passenger airbags provide additional safety, while the sportier steering wheel and futuristic gauges add to the overall aesthetic appeal. The interior of the S14a is designed to be comfortable and sophisticated, appealing to those who want a more upscale and refined driving experience.
Both the S14 and S14a have interior designs that reflect the era in which they were produced. The S14’s interior is more basic and functional, while the S14a’s interior is more refined and modern. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with some car enthusiasts preferring the simple and sporty design of the S14, while others prefer the luxurious and upscale design of the S14a.
Engine and Performance
The Nissan 200SX S14 and S14a models come equipped with a range of engines and performance capabilities, with one of the most notable differences being in their power output. Both the S14 and S14a were available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but the S14a had a more powerful version with a revised turbo setup and additional performance enhancements.
The S14 was available with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. This engine is reliable, but not as powerful as the turbocharged engines found in the S14a models. Some S14 models were also equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 205 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
The S14a, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 217 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine had a revised turbo setup, along with additional enhancements to the intake and exhaust systems, resulting in improved performance and acceleration. The S14a was also equipped with a reinforced rear subframe and an improved braking and suspension system to handle the increased power output.
In terms of acceleration, the S14a was capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds, while the S14 took 7.5 seconds to achieve the same speed. The top speed of the S14 was limited to 130 mph, while the S14a had a top speed of 155 mph.
Both the S14 and S14a were available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and they also had a limited-slip differential as an option. The S14a had larger front brakes than the S14, which helped to provide better stopping power and more confidence under braking. The S14a also had a more advanced suspension system with a modified geometry and shock absorbers, which resulted in better handling and stability.
Overall, the S14a offers superior performance and acceleration compared to the S14, due to its more powerful engine, improved braking, suspension and reinforced rear subframe. However, the S14 is still a reliable and fun-to-drive car, especially for those who prefer a naturally aspirated engine or a more understated appearance. Both models have their own unique characteristics and driving experiences, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Other Differences
While the exterior design, interior design, and engine and performance are the most significant differences between the S14 and S14a, there are a few other details that set these two models apart. For example, the S14a had a wider front track and a slightly longer wheelbase, which improved stability and handling. It also featured larger brakes and a stronger clutch, which were necessary to handle the increased power of the turbocharged engine.
Additionally, the S14a had some minor updates to the suspension and chassis that improved overall performance and handling. For example, the rear subframe was reinforced, and the steering rack was revised to provide more responsive and precise steering. These updates made the S14a an even more capable and engaging sports car than the S14.
Comparison overview
| Conditions to Compare | 200SX S14 | 200SX S14a |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Design | Streamlined and angular design, fixed headlights, sloping front end, understated front bumper, side skirts, distinctive rear spoiler. | More aggressive and modern design, fixed headlights, larger air intake, sharper lines, pronounced side skirts, smaller rear wing. |
| Interior Design | Sporty design, simple dashboard, power windows/locks, air conditioning, driver and passenger airbags, sportier steering wheel, easy-to-read gauges. | Leather seats, stylish dashboard, power windows/locks, air conditioning, driver and passenger airbags, sportier steering wheel, futuristic gauges. |
| Engine and Performance | 2.4L inline-four engine, 155 HP, 160 lb-ft of torque, 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic transmission. (some had the 2.0 turbo) | Turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine, 217 HP, 203 lb-ft of torque, 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic transmission. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
| Brakes | Standard braking system | Improved braking system with larger front brakes. |
| Suspension | Standard suspension system | Improved suspension with modified geometry and shock absorbers. |
| Steering | Power steering | Power steering with a quicker steering ratio. |
| Chassis | Standard chassis | Reinforced rear subframe and other structural enhancements. |
| Dimensions | some had Narrower front and rear track compared to S14a. | Wider front and rear track compared to some S14. |
| Safety Features | Driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system, and optional limited slip differential. | Driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system, and optional limited slip differential. |
The above table provides a detailed comparison of the Nissan 200SX S14 and S14a models based on information from reputable sources. The S14 has a streamlined and angular design with fixed headlights, while the S14a has a more aggressive and modern design with fixed headlights and a larger air intake. The S14 has a sporty interior design with power windows/locks, air conditioning, and easy-to-read gauges, while the S14a has a more luxurious interior with leather seats, a stylish dashboard, and futuristic gauges.
In terms of performance, the S14 is powered by a 2.4L inline-four engine with 155 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, while the S14a has a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine with 217 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The S14a also has an improved braking system, suspension system, and reinforced rear subframe for better handling and safety.
Both models have driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system, and optional limited slip differential. When deciding between the two models, car enthusiasts should consider their preferences for design, performance, and features.
Detailed Comparison
| External Differences | S14 | S14a |
|---|---|---|
| Front Bumper | Understated design | Aggressive design |
| Grill | Smaller and lower | Larger and higher |
| Bonnet | Smooth and streamlined | More angular and aggressive |
| Headlights | Fixed | Fixed |
| Sidelights | N/A | Integrated into headlights |
| Front Indicators | Round | Rectangular |
| Front Foglights | N/A | Optional on some models |
| Front Wings | Less pronounced, smaller arch | More pronounced, larger arch |
| Rear Light Clusters | Streamlined, less pronounced | More angular, larger |
| Center Garnish | Streamlined and subtle | More angular and pronounced |
| Internal Differences | S14 | S14a |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Wheel | Traditional | Sportier steering wheel |
| Instrument Cluster | Simple and easy-to-read gauges | Futuristic gauges |
| Seats | Cloth seats | Leather seats |
| Spare Wheel | Full-size spare | Space saver spare |
| Audio | Sony Audio until 99/00, then Clarion Audio | Clarion Audio |
| Mechanical Differences | S14 | S14a |
|---|---|---|
| EGR system | Yes | No, except for S14a Auto which has EGR |
| Cats | One main cat | Two cats (main cat and pre-cat in downpipe) |
| Boost Sensor | Located on the driver’s suspension turret | N/A |
| Turbo Elbow and Downpipe | Different | Different |
| AFM plug | Different | Different |
| Electrical Differences | S14 | S14a |
|---|---|---|
| NATS Alarm | NATS (plain black fob) | NATS2 (black fob with red and blue buttons) |
| Additional Features | N/A | Headlamp washers, side skirts, and 10/6 disc multichanger |
| Touring Models | S14 | S14a |
|---|---|---|
| Leather seats | Yes | Yes |
| Multichanger | 10 disc | 10/6 disc (Sony/Clarion) |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Side Skirts | N/A | Yes |
| Headlamp washers | N/A | Yes |
| Colors | S14 | S14a |
|---|---|---|
| Flame Red | Yes | Yes |
| Garnet Red | Yes | N/A |
| Indigo | Yes | N/A |
| Marlin Blue | Yes | N/A |
| Oyster White | Yes | N/A |
| Damson | N/A | Yes |
| Emerald Green | N/A | Yes |
| Kuro Black | N/A | Yes |
| Sapphire Blue | N/A | Yes |
Conclusion
While the S14 and S14a share many similarities, there are some key differences that set these two models apart. The S14 has a more angular and streamlined exterior design, a basic and utilitarian interior, and a non-turbocharged engine that provides respectable performance. The S14a, on the other hand, has a more aggressive and modern exterior design, a refined and modern interior, and a turbocharged engine that offers impressive acceleration and top speed.
Overall, both the S14 and S14a are beloved by car enthusiasts for their sleek design and engaging driving experience. Whether you prefer the classic and understated design of the S14 or the modern and aggressive look of the S14a, there’s no denying that these two models represent some of the best of what Nissan had to offer in the 1990s.
If you’re in the market for a Nissan 240SX, it’s important to consider the differences between the S14 and S14a before making your decision. While both models offer great performance and handling, the S14a may be a better choice for those who want a more powerful and refined sports car. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual car enthusiast to decide which model best suits their needs and preferences.
Source
- Nissan 200SX S14 and S14a – A Guide to Buying and Owning – https://www.drifted.com/nissan-200sx-s14-and-s14a/
This guide provides a detailed overview of the Nissan 200SX S14 and S14a models, including their specifications, performance capabilities, and design features. The guide also offers advice on buying and owning these cars, and includes tips on maintenance, modifications, and upgrades.
- 240SX Upgrades – https://www.enjukuracing.com/pages/nissan-240sx-upgrades
This website offers a wide range of performance upgrades and modifications for the Nissan 240SX, including the S14 and S14a models. The site includes parts and accessories for the engine, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, and more, as well as advice on installation and tuning. This resource can be helpful for those who are interested in improving the performance and handling of their S14 or S14a.
