Why a 240?
I really like 240s. Yes, in America, the 240 is a bit underpowered. However, the superb handling and responsiveness to mods make the 240sx a really great platform. Both the S13 (89-94) and the S14 (95-98) have a very well balanced chassis, excellent reliability, decent power for cars in it's class, and are pretty unique. One of the major reasons I bought my S14 is that you just don't see many of them on the roads. I love it when friends see my car and say "nice....what the hell is it?" Of course, if Nissan had the intelligence to put the SR20DET or even the Maxima V6 into it in America, maybe the 240 would still be popular and still available today..of course AWD would be nice too. If Nissan wants to save itself at this point, they would release the S15 Silvia (UNCHANGED from japan-spec) or the Skyline GT-R in America (insurance costs be damned). Of course, they would not sell nearly as well as the Altima or Sentra, of course, but at this point Nissan really needs to re-establish its performance image in America. Build them well, build them fast, make them reliable, sell them cheap. Not a hard equasion for success, IMHO.
Forgive the rant there.....
I bought my 96 in November 1999. I did own a 91 for 4 glorious weeks just prior to that, but an unfortunate encounter with an inattentive Caravan driver (meaning I was rammed...mucho twisted metal) I was able to purchase the 96. I spent a long time researching before I bought both cars, and with the exception of the first couple of weeks after buying the S14 (dumb problems, easy to fix) I have never regretted my decision. Of course, there are other cars with different advantages..of course Mustangs and Camaros are faster, Hondas have a much bigger aftermarket, but 240s are wonderful cars, and with the right work and modification can be one of the best all-around cars in its price range.
I would have to say that after owning both an S13 and a S14, I have to say that the S13 has a bit more personality, a bit more "soul"...this is a very subjective thing. The S14 has a lot of things going for it, and the S13 has certain drawbacks, the dated but classic styling among them, but it definitely has a feel and character that the S14 seems to lack. Again, this is a subjective thing, but the S14 seems almost a bit homogenized in comparison. Nevertheless, I really enjoy my 96, and every mod seems to bring out life in the car that Nissan seemed to want to hide. Again, this is just my opinion. Your mileage may vary....
In a perfect world, and perhaps a better financed world, I would own both....(and a R33 AND a R34 Skyline GTR too....since I'm asking!)
