Which Nissan 200SX Version Should You Buy?
The Nissan 200SX version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want maximum performance, lower fuel consumption, or the broader engine choice of the earliest Coupe. Among the measured versions, the third-generation 2.0 MT offers the strongest performance: its turbocharged 1,998 cc engine produces 200 hp and 265 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 235 km/h.
The Nissan 200SX version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want maximum performance, lower fuel consumption, or the broader engine choice of the earliest Coupe. Among the measured versions, the third-generation 2.0 MT offers the strongest performance: its turbocharged 1,998 cc engine produces 200 hp and 265 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 235 km/h. The second-generation 1.8 MT also reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, but its 1,809 cc turbo engine delivers 169 hp and 224 Nm, while the measured combined consumption is 8.5 l/100 km. First-generation versions provide the widest choice, ranging from 100 hp to 162 hp, with combined consumption from 7.1 to 11.2 l/100 km where measured. Every listed Nissan 200SX is a Gasoline, RWD Coupe.
Nissan 200SX generations compared
The first generation, produced from September 1983 through June 1989, is a Coupe with 14 modifications in the source data, of which 12 are shown. Its engine selection is the broadest: 1,809 cc turbo Inline engines produce 122 hp, 1,974 cc non-turbo Inline engines produce 100 hp or 103 hp, and 2,960 cc non-turbo V-shaped engines produce 162 hp. Manual versions have 5 gears, while Automatic versions have 4. Kerb weight ranges from 1,090 to 1,350 kg, and every listed version has 150 mm of ground clearance and a 53-litre tank.
The second generation ran from July 1989 through January 1994. It is a Coupe with 2 versions, both using a 1,809 cc turbo Gasoline Inline engine producing 169 hp and 224 Nm. The 1.8 MT combines that engine with a 5-speed Manual gearbox, while the 1.8 AT uses a 4-speed Automatic. Both have independent spring suspension at the front and rear, ventilated front discs, rear discs, 135 mm of ground clearance, and a 60-litre tank.
The third generation ran from October 1993 through January 2020. It is also a Coupe and has 2 versions. Both use a 1,998 cc turbo Gasoline Inline engine with 200 hp and 265 Nm. Buyers can choose the 5-speed Manual 2.0 MT or the 4-speed Automatic 2.0 AT. Their performance differs despite identical engine output: the Manual reaches 100 km/h sooner and has a higher top speed.
Nissan 200SX engine specs and versions
Repeated names in the first generation are distinguished below by power and kerb weight.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third generation 2.0 MT | 200 hp | 265 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| Third generation 2.0 AT | 200 hp | 265 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 MT | 169 hp | 224 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 AT | 169 hp | 224 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 100 hp, 1,200 kg | 100 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 103 hp, 1,090 kg | 103 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 103 hp, 1,090 kg | 103 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 100 hp, 1,200 kg | 100 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First generation 1.8 MT | 122 hp | 182 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First generation 1.8 AT | 122 hp | 182 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 100 hp, 1,240 kg | 100 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 100 hp, 1,240 kg | 100 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 103 hp, 1,115 kg | 103 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 103 hp, 1,115 kg | 103 hp | 157 Nm | 1,974 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| First generation 3.0 MT | 162 hp | 236 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First generation 3.0 AT | 162 hp | 236 Nm | 2,960 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
The third-generation engine has the highest specific output at approximately 100.1 hp per litre. The second-generation engine produces approximately 93.4 hp per litre, while the first-generation turbo 1.8 produces approximately 67.4 hp per litre. The first-generation 3.0 produces approximately 54.7 hp per litre, and its advantage over the first-generation turbo 1.8 is 40 hp and 54 Nm.
Output rises substantially between generations. Compared with the first-generation 1.8 MT, the second-generation 1.8 MT adds 47 hp and 42 Nm without changing the 1,809 cc displacement. Moving from the second-generation 1.8 MT to the third-generation 2.0 MT adds another 31 hp and 41 Nm, while displacement increases by 189 cc.
Nissan 200SX performance, mpg and fuel economy
| Generation and exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third generation 2.0 MT | 7.5 sec | 235 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third generation 2.0 AT | 8.3 sec | 223 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.8 MT | 7.5 sec | 215 km/h | 10.7 l/100 km | 6.2 l/100 km | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Second generation 1.8 AT | 9.3 sec | 200 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Every first-generation version | not measured | not measured | see comparison below | see comparison below | see comparison below |
Within the third generation, choosing the 2.0 MT over the 2.0 AT cuts 0.8 seconds from the measured acceleration time and adds 12 km/h to top speed. The Manual is also 5 kg heavier, so its performance advantage does not come from a lower listed kerb weight.
The second-generation 1.8 MT reaches 100 km/h 1.8 seconds sooner than the 1.8 AT and has a top speed 15 km/h higher. Its measured consumption is 10.7 l/100 km in the city, 6.2 l/100 km on the highway, and 8.5 l/100 km combined. Consumption for the second-generation 1.8 AT is not measured.
First-generation 2.0 versions have measured combined consumption of 7.1, 7.3, or 9.8 l/100 km depending on the specific entry. The lowest figure belongs to the 103 hp 2.0 MT entries at 7.1 l/100 km, accompanied by 8.4 l/100 km city and 5.9 l/100 km highway figures. The corresponding 103 hp 2.0 AT entries return 7.3 l/100 km combined, 8.7 l/100 km city, and 5.7 l/100 km highway.
The first-generation 1.8 MT records 9.4 l/100 km city, 6.4 l/100 km highway, and 7.8 l/100 km combined. The 1.8 AT uses 9.8, 6.9, and 8.4 l/100 km respectively. The Manual therefore uses 0.6 l/100 km less on the combined cycle.
Both first-generation 3.0 versions record 11.2 l/100 km combined. The 3.0 MT uses 12.4 l/100 km in the city and 9 l/100 km on the highway; the 3.0 AT uses 13.1 and 9.4 l/100 km. Acceleration and top-speed figures for all first-generation versions are not measured.
Nissan 200SX weight, dimensions and practical specs
External dimensions and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed version. The available size-related specifications are kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, and fuel-tank capacity.
| Generation and exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third generation 2.0 MT | 1,260 kg | 1,780 kg | 130 mm | 65 l | not measured |
| Third generation 2.0 AT | 1,255 kg | 1,780 kg | 135 mm | 65 l | not measured |
| Second generation 1.8 MT | 1,190 kg | 1,675 kg | 135 mm | 60 l | not measured |
| Second generation 1.8 AT | 1,210 kg | 1,675 kg | 135 mm | 60 l | not measured |
| First-generation 2.0 versions | 1,090–1,240 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 53 l | not measured |
| First generation 1.8 MT | 1,200 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 53 l | not measured |
| First generation 1.8 AT | 1,200 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 53 l | not measured |
| First generation 3.0 MT | 1,350 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 53 l | not measured |
| First generation 3.0 AT | 1,350 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 53 l | not measured |
The third-generation 2.0 MT carries about 6.3 kg per horsepower, the second-generation 1.8 MT about 7.0 kg per horsepower, and the first-generation 1.8 MT about 9.8 kg per horsepower. The first-generation 3.0 MT works out at approximately 8.3 kg per horsepower. Among the listed first-generation 2.0 versions, the most favourable ratio is the 103 hp version at 1,090 kg, with approximately 10.6 kg per horsepower; the 100 hp version at 1,240 kg has 12.4 kg per horsepower.
The second-generation 1.8 MT is 20 kg lighter than the 1.8 AT. In the third generation, the situation reverses: the 2.0 MT is 5 kg heavier than the 2.0 AT. Gross weight is identical within each of these generations: 1,675 kg for both second-generation versions and 1,780 kg for both third-generation versions.
Ground clearance declines from 150 mm in the first generation to 135 mm in the second. The third-generation 2.0 AT retains 135 mm, while the 2.0 MT has 130 mm. Tank capacity moves in the other direction, increasing from 53 litres to 60 litres and then 65 litres.
Which Nissan 200SX version should you choose?
Choose the third-generation 2.0 MT when measured performance is the priority. It combines the catalogue’s highest output of 200 hp, its strongest torque figure of 265 Nm, the highest measured top speed of 235 km/h, and a 7.5-second run to 100 km/h. At approximately 6.3 kg per horsepower, it also has the best listed power-to-weight relationship.
Choose the third-generation 2.0 AT if you want the same 200 hp and 265 Nm with an Automatic gearbox. The trade-off is clear in the available measurements: it takes 8.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h and tops out at 223 km/h. It does, however, provide 5 mm more ground clearance and weighs 5 kg less than the 2.0 MT.
Choose the second-generation 1.8 MT for a balance of measured speed and measured economy. It matches the third-generation 2.0 MT’s 7.5-second acceleration figure, though its top speed is 20 km/h lower. Unlike either third-generation version, it also has complete consumption data, including 8.5 l/100 km combined.
Choose the second-generation 1.8 AT only when the Automatic gearbox matters more than the measured performance difference. Its engine output is unchanged at 169 hp and 224 Nm, but it is 20 kg heavier than the 1.8 MT, takes 1.8 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h, and has a top speed 15 km/h lower. Its fuel consumption is not measured.
Within the first generation, choose a 103 hp 2.0 MT with the 7.1 l/100 km combined figure when the lowest measured combined consumption is the priority. Choose the 1.8 MT when you want turbocharging and a middle ground between output and economy: it provides 122 hp, 182 Nm, and 7.8 l/100 km combined. Choose the 3.0 MT for the strongest first-generation engine figures, namely 162 hp and 236 Nm, accepting the measured 11.2 l/100 km combined consumption and 1,350 kg kerb weight.
No price, sale, reliability, problem, production-volume, weight-distribution, engine-code, or engine-swap information is present in the supplied data, so those points cannot determine the choice. On the measured specifications alone, the third-generation 2.0 MT is the performance choice, the second-generation 1.8 MT is the strongest all-round comparison, and the first-generation 103 hp 2.0 MT is the economy-led option.