Nissan Silvia S12 1.8 Turbo (135 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.9 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Nissan Silvia:

The Nissan Silvia is the series of small sports cars produced by Nissan. Versions of the Silvia have been marketed as the 200SX or 240SX for export, with some export versions being sold under the Datsun brand.
The Gazelle was the twin-model of Silvia sold in Japan at different dealerships for the S110 and S12 generations; the Gazelle name was also used in Australia for the S12 generation. For the S13 generation in Japan, the Gazelle was replaced with the 180SX, which was a hatchback model of the Silvia with pop-up headlights that was also sold as the 200SX and 240SX for export purposes....(Read more on Wikipedia)

S12 Overview:

Nissan Silvia (S12). With 191 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1160 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.6 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Nissan Silvia S12 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, therefore no official safety rating is available. Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards.

1.8 Turbo (135 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 1.8 Turbo, typically featuring the CA18ET engine, delivered a classic 80s turbo experience. While peak horsepower was slightly lower than the 2.0 GP at 135 Hp, the turbocharger provided a significant boost in mid-range torque, making it feel punchier in daily driving despite a similar 0-100 km/h time of 9.6 seconds. Expect some turbo lag.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption for the 1.8 Turbo would likely be similar to or slightly higher than the 2.0 GP in urban conditions due to the turbo, but potentially more efficient on the highway if driven conservatively. Specific data is not provided, but early turbo engines weren't renowned for stellar economy.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving, tuning projects, and for those seeking a more torquey and characterful power delivery.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Classic 80s RWD sports coupe styling and handling
  • • Engaging driving dynamics with good chassis balance
  • • Robust and tunable engine options (especially turbo models)
  • • Growing classic car appeal and enthusiast community
  • • Relatively lightweight for its class

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features by modern standards
  • • Interior plastics can become brittle with age
  • • Rust can be a significant issue in neglected examples
  • • Parts availability is diminishing for some components
  • • Early turbo engines exhibit noticeable turbo lag

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(S110: 1979 - 1983).

General:
Brand:Nissan
Model:Silvia
Generation:S12
Modification (Engine):1.8 Turbo (135 Hp)
Start of production:1984
End of production:1988
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:135 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:74.6 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:191 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:CA18ET More details about the engine CA18ET
Engine displacement:1809
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.8 l
Coolant:8.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:83 mm mm
Piston Stroke:83.6 mm mm
Compression ratio:8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.6 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.6 kg/Hp, 116.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.1 kg/Nm, 164.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1160
Max. weight:1635
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:475
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1200 kg
Fuel tank capacity:53 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:580 kg
Permitted towbar download:50 kg
Size:
Length:4350 mm mm
Width:1660 mm mm
Height:1330 mm mm
Wheelbase:2430 mm mm
Front track:1400 mm
Rear (Back) track:1425 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 195/60 R15
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

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