Nissan 180X - Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Compact Sports Coupe / Hatchback |
| Released At | 1989 Model Year |
| Built At | Kyushu, Japan |
| Engine | 1.8L / 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (CA18DET / SR20DET) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 1809 cc / 110.4 cu in (CA18DET) |
| Power | 175 - 205 hp / 130 - 153 kW |
| Specific Output | 96 - 114 hp per liter |
| Torque | 225 - 274 Nm / 166 - 202 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h / 137 mph (approximate) |
| 0 – 60 mph | 6.7 - 7.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 7.0 - 7.2 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Unibody Steel Construction |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 195/60R15 |
| Rear Tires | 195/60R15 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Discs |
| Front Wheels | 15 x 6.0 in |
| Rear Wheels | 15 x 6.5 in |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link with Coil Springs |
| Curb Weight | 1190 - 1240 kg / 2623 - 2734 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 55% / Rear 45% |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm / 97.4 in |
| Length | 4520 mm / 177.9 in |
| Width | 1690 mm / 66.5 in |
| Height | 1290 mm / 50.8 in |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 4-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 8.5 - 9.5 L/100 km / 25 - 28 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 liters / 15.8 gallons |

Built on the Nissan S13 Platform The 180SX shares its platform with the Nissan Silvia S13, but features pop-up headlights, a different rear end, and a hatchback body style, making it stand out visually.
Named After Its Engine – 1.8L Turbocharged CA18DET The name “180” comes from its original engine: a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4 (CA18DET), producing around 170 hp when it launched in 1989.
Engine Upgrades Over Time Later models were upgraded to the SR20DET 2.0L turbo engine, boosting power and torque. These later versions were often still called "180SX" despite the larger engine.
Pop-Up Headlights – A Fan Favorite The 180SX’s signature pop-up headlights make it one of the most iconic designs of the 1990s. They distinguish it from the Silvia, which had fixed lights.
A Drifting Legend The 180SX became legendary in the drifting world, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout, balanced chassis, and easy modifiability, making it a favorite among pro and amateur drifters alike.
Sold Only in Select Markets The 180SX was never officially sold in the U.S., but Americans received a similar model: the Nissan 240SX, which had a different engine (KA24DE) and less performance.
Available in Several Trims Throughout its life, the 180SX was offered in Type I, Type II, and Type X trims, each offering different features, styling touches, and options like LSD, ABS, and upgraded aero.
Lightweight and Tunable With a curb weight around 1,200–1,300 kg (2,600–2,900 lbs), the 180SX was light and responsive—perfect for tuning and performance upgrades.
Iconic in Video Games and Anime The 180SX has appeared in Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, and Initial D, further cementing its place in pop culture and JDM car history.
Now a Coveted JDM Classic With growing demand for clean, unmodified examples, the 180SX is becoming a collector’s item, especially in right-hand-drive markets and among enthusiasts looking for authentic JDM cars.
Nissan 180X Price

Nissan 180SX (1989–1998) – EU Price Guide (2024)
The 180SX (sold as the 200SX in Europe) is Nissan's legendary turbocharged, pop-up headlight coupe – the little brother to the Skyline GT-R.
Here's the current EU market breakdown:
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
By Model & Condition
CA18DET (1.8L Turbo, 1989–1991)
Project Car: €8,000 – €15,000(Needs engine/body work)
Drift-Ready: €15,000 – €25,000(Modified, running)
Stock Survivor: €25,000 – €40,000(Unmolested, under 100k km)
SR20DET (2.0L Turbo, 1991–1998)
Project: €12,000 – €20,000
Good Condition: €20,000 – €35,000
Museum-Quality: €35,000 – €60,000+(Under 50k km, all original)
Special Editions (Type X, Aero)
Add 20–30% premium(Rare factory body kits, LSDs)
2. Key Value Factors
✅ Engine & Drivetrain
SR20DET models command 50% more than CA18DET
Factory LSD (HICAS optional) adds €3k–€5k
✅ Body & Rust
Check rear wheel arches, frame rails, and spare tire well – notorious rust spots
Pop-up headlight mechanism (€1k+ to repair if faulty)
✅ Import vs. EU-Spec
Japanese imports (cleaner, lower mileage) fetch 10–20% more
UK 200SX models often more worn but cheaper
3. Where to Buy?
Japanese Importers: Japanese Classics, The Import Guys
Classifieds: Mobile.de, Car & Classic
Drift Scene: Facebook groups, forums like NicoClub
4. Market Outlook
📈 Rapid Appreciation
Prices up 15–20% yearly since 2020
Last unmolested examples becoming rare
⚠️ Watch For
"Sil80" conversions (Silvia front-end swaps) – verify originality
Odometer rollbacks (common on JDM imports)
(Fun Fact: The 180SX was designed to undercut the more expensive Silvia, but became more popular due to its turbo engine!)
Pro Tip: Check the VIN plate in the engine bay – authentic 180SX models start with "KRPS13".
Avoid cars with:
Rusty strut towers
Aftermarket ECUs (unless properly tuned)
Missing factory interior (especially rare digital dash)
(Bonus: The 180SX was the testbed for Nissan's first ATTESA AWD system, later used in the Skyline GT-R!)
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