240SX vs Silvia S13: Same Chassis, Different Markets
Compare the US 240SX to the JDM Silvia. KA24DE vs SR20DET, which S13 platform is the better drift car?
Same Chassis, Different Soul
The Nissan 240SX and Nissan Silvia share the S13 chassis code, platform, and body—but they're not the same car. The JDM Silvia came with the turbocharged SR20DET that American buyers only dreamed of. The USDM 240SX made do with the naturally aspirated KA24.
This comparison explores what separates these siblings and helps buyers understand their options.
Detailed Comparison
The Differences
Powertrain
USDM 240SX S13:
- KA24E (1989-1990): 2.4L SOHC I4, 140hp
- KA24DE (1991-1994): 2.4L DOHC I4, 155hp
- Both are reliable, both are slow
- Iron block handles boost well (swap potential)
- SR20DET: 2.0L DOHC turbo I4, 205-220hp
- Factory turbo, intercooled, proper sport engine
- Aluminum block, lighter weight
- The engine Americans wanted
The reality: Most USDM 240SX owners eventually swap to SR20DET, equalizing the platforms. The question is whether you want to do the work.
Equipment Levels
- Basic interior with American market preferences
- Various trim levels (base, SE, LE)
- Flip-up headlights (coupe) or fixed (hatchback)
- Limited sport equipment
- Better base equipment (Japanese market expectations)
- K's trim (SR20DET, sport focus)
- Q's trim (SR20DE, luxury focus)
- Factory LSD and sport suspension available
Body Styles
- Coupe and hatchback (fastback)
- Coupe with flip-up lights is the "S13" most Americans recognize
- Same bodies, different market names
- Some special editions exclusive to Japan
Legal Considerations
Importing a Silvia:
- Now 25+ years old, federally legal to import
- Must comply with state requirements
- No EPA or DOT restrictions at 25 years
- Can legally drive an SR20DET Silvia
Keeping a 240SX:
- No import hassle
- Domestic parts availability
- Familiar service at any shop
- SR20 swap is well-documented
Vehicle A
Pros
- ✓ Domestic availability
- ✓ No import hassle
- ✓ KA24 is robust swap base
- ✓ Lower purchase price
Cons
- ✗ Underpowered stock
- ✗ Requires swap for real performance
- ✗ Less desirable for purists
- ✗ KA weight penalty
Vehicle B
Pros
- ✓ Factory SR20DET
- ✓ Proper sport car from factory
- ✓ JDM authenticity
- ✓ Lighter with SR20
Cons
- ✗ Import costs and logistics
- ✗ Harder to service domestically
- ✗ Premium pricing
- ✗ Title and registration complexity
The Verdict
The Verdict
Choose the USDM 240SX if:
- You want domestic simplicity
- SR20 swap is in your plans anyway
- KA24 power is adequate for your needs
- Budget is limited
- Factory SR20DET matters to you
- You appreciate JDM authenticity
- Import logistics don't intimidate you
- Budget allows for import costs
The practical truth: A well-executed SR20DET swap into a 240SX creates essentially the same car as a Silvia—often for less total investment than importing.
The Silvia premium is for authenticity. If factory originality matters, import one. If you just want the driving experience, swap your 240SX and pocket the difference.
Both platforms excel for the same reasons: balanced chassis, accessible modification, and a community that has solved every problem you'll encounter.