Nissan Silvia S13 1.8i (135 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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)
S13 Overview:
Nissan Silvia (S13). With 159 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1110 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. 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.
The Nissan Silvia S13 was produced before modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing, thus it lacks contemporary safety features and crash test ratings.
1.8i (135 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
With the automatic transmission, the CA18DE offers very modest performance, best suited for relaxed city driving where power is not a priority.
Fuel Economy
The most fuel-efficient option in the S13 lineup, ideal for those seeking the lowest running costs and a simple, reliable daily driver.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic styling and strong aftermarket support
- • Excellent handling and balanced chassis
- • Highly tunable turbocharged engines (SR20DET, CA18DET)
- • Rear-wheel-drive layout ideal for enthusiasts and drifting
- • Strong community and parts availability
Cons:
- • Aging platform with potential for rust and wear
- • Lack of modern safety features and crash ratings
- • Fuel economy can be poor on turbo models when driven hard
- • Increasing prices due to collector status and demand
- • Some engines (CA18DET) have specific reliability concerns if not maintained
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(S12: 1984 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Silvia |
| Generation: | S13 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8i (135 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 135 Hp @ 6400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 74.6 Hp/l [120mm more] |
| Torque: | 159 Nm @ 5200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | CA18DE More details about the engine CA18DE |
| Engine displacement: | 1809 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 121.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 143.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1110 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4470 mm mm [120mm more] |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Height: | 1290 mm mm [40mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm [45mm more] |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Dependent, multi-link spring with telescopic shock absorbers |












If you could change one thing about the Nissan Silvia, what would it be?