Nissan S13: The Iconic Drifter's Dream and Affordable Sports Car of the '90s

TLDRThe Nissan S13, sold in Japan as the Sylvia, is a beloved sports car that became famous for its affordability and drifting capabilities. It was priced between $13,000 to $18,000 and had a unique trim level identification system using playing cards. The car was marketed mainly to women and sold over 300,000 units in Japan. With a rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and a lightweight design, the S13 became a favorite for enthusiasts and drifters alike. The aftermarket for these cars is extensive, offering numerous customization options. Despite its popularity, the S13 remains relatively unknown to many car enthusiasts.

Key insights

🚗The Nissan S13, known as the Sylvia in Japan, was a lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports car that became a favorite among drifters.

💰Priced between $13,000 to $18,000, the S13 was an affordable sports car option in the '90s.

👑The S13 had a unique trim level identification system using playing cards, with the base model being the Jack, followed by the Queen, and the top model being the King.

👩‍💼Marketed mainly to women, the S13 was sold in Japan as the Sylvia and was often considered a 'secretary car' for its stylish and practical design.

🌍The S13 sold over 300,000 units in Japan, making it one of the most popular cars in the country during its time.

Q&A

Why was the Nissan S13 so popular?

—The Nissan S13 was popular for its affordability, performance, and the extensive aftermarket support available for modifications and customization.

What made the S13 a good car for drifting?

—The S13's rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and lightweight design made it highly maneuverable and well-suited for drifting.

Why was the S13 marketed mainly to women?

—Nissan marketed the S13 to women by offering stylish and practical design options, positioning it as a fashionable accessory rather than a traditional sports car.

What are the trim levels of the S13?

—The S13 had three main trim levels: Jack (base model), Queen (mid-level), and King (top model), with additional Club and Diamond selection packages available.

What engines were available in the S13?

—The S13 was available with various engines, including the SR20, SR20 turbo, CA18DE, and CA18DE T, with the top trim level featuring the SR20 turbo.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the importance of the Nissan S13 in the '90s sports car market.

01:39Discussion on the Japanese specifications of the S13, including its naming differences across regions.

03:00Explanation of the S13's pricing and its positioning as an affordable sports car option.

05:56Interview with Jimmy, a car enthusiast and owner of a bone-stock S13, discussing his personal connection to the car.

10:03Further insights into Jimmy's background and his journey into the world of cars and car culture.

20:02Test drive of the S13 and exploration of its performance characteristics and potential for modifications.

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