Nissan Silvia, the series of iconic Nissan sports cars, popular for their styles and performance capabilities. Generation by generation, more Sea Seals have entered the automotive lexicon, more than hitting the sweet spot between style, handling and horsepower.
1965–1968 Nissan Silvia CSP311
The CSP311, the original Silvia, was a stylish, handmade coupe that embodied the spirit of 1960s automotive design.
Engine: 1.6 L R I4 OHV
Power: 96 PS (71 kW)
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,280 mm (89.8 in)
Length: 3,985 mm (156.9 in)
Width: 1,508 mm (59.4 in)
Height: 1,275 mm (50.2 in)
Gearing up, curb: 977 kg (2,154 lb)
Special Fact: Total built 554, out of that very few went for export like Australia and Europe.
Nissan Silvia S10 (1975–1979)
The S10 was the first to take things to the next level, by heading toward mass production and a more aggressive appearance of performance and driving dynamics.
Engines:
1.8 L L18 I4
2.0 L L20B I4 (US market)
Power: Dependent on engine choice (up to 96 PS)
Transmission:
3-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,340 mm (92.1 in)
Dimensions: 4,135 mm (162.8 in) (Japan), 4,323 mm (170.2 in) (US)
Width: 1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Height: 1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Curb Weight: 990 kg (2,180 lb) (Japan), 1,073 kg (2,366 lb) (US)
1979–1983 Nissan Silvia S110
The S110 generation also offered various engine options, including turbocharged versions, and was known for its more refined styling and performance.
Engines:
1.8 L L18 I4
2.0 L Z20/Z20E I4
2.0 L FJ20E DOHC I4
2.3 L FJ24 I4 (240RS)
Transmission:
3-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length: 4,400 mm (173.2 in)
Width: 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height: 1,310 mm (51.6 in)
Nissan Silvia S12 (1983–1988)
The Silvia rose to greatness with the S12 generation, featuring performance improvement through turbo engines and pop-up headlights.
Engines:
1.8 L CA18S/E/DE I4
1.8 L CA18ET/CA18DET turbo I4
2.0 L FJ20E I4
3.0 L VG30E V6
Transmission:
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,425 mm (95.5 in)
Length: 4,430 mm (174.4 in) (1984–1986), 4,460 mm (175.6 in) (1987–1988)
Width: 1,660 mm (65.4 in)
Nissan Silvia S13 (1988–1994)
The S13 is probably the most cherished model of Silvia, noted for its tech inklings and streamlined style.
Engines:
1.8 L CA18DE I4
1.8 L CA18DET turbo I4
2.0 L SR20DE I4
2.0 L SR20DET turbo I4
Transmission:
4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,475 mm (97.4 in)
Length: 4,521 mm (178.0 in)
Width: 1,689 mm (66.5 in)
Height: 1,290 mm (50.8 in)
Curb Weight: 1,180–1,224 kg (2,601–2,698 lb)
Legacy: Cherished for its innovative design, this generation became a mainstay of the drifting subculture and was available in markets around the world as the 200SX or 240SX.
Nissan Silvia S14 (1993–1998)
The S14 generation built on the Silvia’s legacy, adding improvements in aero, power, and driving experience.
Engines:
2.0 L SR20DE I4
2.0 L SR20DET turbo I4
2.4 L KA24DE I4 (US market)
Transmission:
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions:
Wheelbase : 2,570 mm (101.2 in)
Length: 4,545 mm (178.9 in)
Width: 1,725 mm (67.9 in)
Height: 1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Cur(oit) Weight: 1,250 kg (2,755 lb)
Nissan Silvia S15 (1999–2002)
The S15 was the last iteration of the Nissan Silvia, infused with modern design characteristics and performance. The S15 was well respected among car enthusiasts and the tuning community and was onwards recognized for its clean and aggressive styling and advanced technology.
Engines:
2.0 L SR20DE I4 (Non-turbo)
2.0 L SR20DET I4 turbo (ball bearing turbocharger)
Power:
165 PS (163 bhp; 121 kW) from SR20DE (Non turbo)
SR20DET (Turbo) — 250 PS (247 bhp; 184 kW)
Torque:
275 N⋅m (203 lbf⋅ft; 28 kg⋅m) from SR20DET
Transmission:
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2,525 mm (99.4 in)
Length: 4,445 mm (175.0 in)
Width: 1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height: 1,285 mm (50.6 in)
Curb Weight: 1,200–1,450 kg (2,646–3,197 lb)
Trim Levels:
Spec-S: Non-turbo variant
Spec-R: The high-performance turbocharged version with sportier features
Aero Packages: Spec-S and Spec-R could also be fitted with an “Aero” kit featuring a massive rear wing, side skirts, front bumper valances, and more aggressive styling.
The Nissan Silvia S15 occupies a special place in the pages of automotive history, and not just due to its iconic design or its performance specifications either.
With everything from its turbocharged SR20DET engine to it lightweight frame and rear-wheel-drive layout, the S15 was built as a pure driver’s car.
While on the street or on the track it was the ideal combination of power and agility and quickly became a go to for topping the tuning food chain as well as being a major player in the drift scene.
With aggressive styling and a finely-tuned chassis, it was an instant classic, and you could have it as either Spec-S or Spec-R, able to balance practicality with performance, despite Nissan’s reputation for toughness and precision.
Even today, the Nissan Silvia S15 is considered a legend, beloved by fans from all over the world for its versatility, performance, and most importantly — pure joy behind the wheel.
With its dual motorsports pedigree (the brand is known for both performance driving and its recent participation in motorsports, particularly drifting), the 240Z is an American performance legend, and its fanbase keeps growing as new owners work to reinvigorate these cars.
Upscale yet affordable, tunable yet simple, the S15 is an all-time classic that remains in high regard from the fans.
