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Nissan 200SX

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Nissan 200SX: The export Silvia. Rear-drive, turbo, and a drift favorite around the world.
Photo: Tennen-Gas / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

The export Silvia. Rear-drive, turbo, and a drift favorite around the world.

The Nissan 200SX is the export-market name for versions of the Silvia (S13, S14, S15) and the earlier S-platform coupes. Rear-wheel drive with turbocharged CA18DET and SR20DET engines, the 200SX became one of the most popular drift and tuner cars worldwide. The S13 and S14 in particular, with the SR20DET turbo four, offered an affordable, lightweight, tunable rear-drive platform that defined grassroots drifting. Naming varied by market (200SX, 180SX, Silvia, 240SX in North America), but the chassis are closely related. On WhipJury, 200SX submissions are popular drift and tuner builds, often with engine swaps and aggressive styling.

200SX highlights

S13 and S14 (1988-1998). SR20DET turbo four, the definitive affordable drift platform.

S15. The final Silvia, highly sought after, JDM-only in many markets.

200SX on WhipJury

A drift and tuner favorite, valued for its rear-drive balance and SR20 power.

Frequently asked questions about Nissan 200SX

Is the 200SX the same as the Silvia?
Largely yes. The 200SX is an export name for Silvia-platform coupes (S13, S14, S15). North America got related cars as the 240SX; Japan kept the Silvia and 180SX names.
Why is the 200SX a drift favorite?
Its lightweight rear-drive chassis, tunable SR20DET turbo four, and affordability made it the grassroots drift car of choice worldwide. Aftermarket support is enormous.
What engine does the 200SX use?
Depending on market and year, the CA18DET or the popular SR20DET turbocharged four. Some markets had naturally aspirated variants.
Is the 200SX rear-wheel drive?
Yes, rear-wheel drive, which is core to its drift and tuner appeal.
What is the difference between 200SX and 240SX?
The 240SX is the North American version with the larger KA24 engine, while the 200SX (export) and Silvia (Japan) typically used the turbocharged SR20DET.

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