Nissan Auster: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Nissan Auster choice depends chiefly on the type of car and drivetrain you want. The first-generation Coupe and second-generation Sedan are both RWD, whereas the third-generation Hatchback 5-door is FWD. Engine output ranges from 79 hp to 145 hp. The standout performance specification is the third-generation turbocharged 1.8 MT or 1.8 AT with 145 hp and 201 Nm.
The Nissan Auster choice depends chiefly on the type of car and drivetrain you want. The first-generation Coupe and second-generation Sedan are both RWD, whereas the third-generation Hatchback 5-door is FWD. Engine output ranges from 79 hp to 145 hp. The standout performance specification is the third-generation turbocharged 1.8 MT or 1.8 AT with 145 hp and 201 Nm. For a less powerful third-generation car, the naturally aspirated choices span 79–105 hp and include Manual and Automatic transmissions. Performance times, maximum speed, and fuel-consumption figures were not measured for any listed version, so those factors cannot be used for a numerical comparison.
Nissan Auster generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from May 1977 through May 1981 as a Coupe with 2 versions. Both use a 1,595 cc Gasoline engine producing 95 hp and 132 Nm, with RWD. The choice is between the exact versions 1.6 MT, fitted with a 4-speed Manual, and 1.6 AT, fitted with a 3-speed Automatic. Front suspension is Independent, spring; rear suspension is Dependent, spring.
The second generation ran from June 1981 through September 1985 as a Sedan with 2 versions. Its 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT specifications list a 1,598 cc Gasoline engine with 90 hp and 133 Nm. Both retain RWD, but the rear suspension changes to Independent, spring. The 1.6 MT has a 4-speed Manual, while the 1.6 AT has a 3-speed Automatic.
The third generation ran from October 1985 through February 1990 as a Hatchback 5-door with 19 versions in the generation; 12 versions are detailed in the supplied specifications. This generation changes to FWD and a front, transverse engine layout. Its listed engines cover 1,598 cc and 1,809 cc, with outputs from 79 hp to 145 hp. Every detailed third-generation version has Independent, spring suspension at both ends and Ventilated disc front brakes. The 145 hp turbo versions add Disc rear brakes, while the other detailed versions use Drum rear brakes.
Nissan Auster engine and transmission specs
Repeated names are distinguished by output and, where specifications otherwise differ, kerb weight or production start.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.6 MT | 95 hp | 132 Nm | 1,595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 AT | 95 hp | 132 Nm | 1,595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 1.6 MT | 90 hp | 133 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.6 AT | 90 hp | 133 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third generation 1.6 MT, 79 hp | 79 hp | 123 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.6 AT, 79 hp | 79 hp | 123 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 1.6 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 133 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.6 AT, 90 hp | 90 hp | 133 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 MT, 88 hp, 1,090 kg | 88 hp | 142 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 AT, 88 hp, 1,130 kg | 88 hp | 142 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 MT, 88 hp, 1,120 kg | 88 hp | 142 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 AT, 88 hp, 1,160 kg | 88 hp | 142 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 MT, 105 hp | 105 hp | 160 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 AT, 105 hp | 105 hp | 160 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 MT, 145 hp | 145 hp | 201 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 1.8 AT, 145 hp | 145 hp | 201 Nm | 1,809 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
The first-generation 1.6 engine delivers approximately 59.6 hp per litre. The second-generation 1.6 and the third-generation 90 hp 1.6 produce approximately 56.3 hp per litre, while the third-generation 79 hp 1.6 produces approximately 49.4 hp per litre. Among the 1.8 engines, the 88 hp specification produces approximately 48.6 hp per litre, the 105 hp specification approximately 58.0 hp per litre, and the turbocharged 145 hp specification approximately 80.2 hp per litre.
Performance, mpg, and economy
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for every Nissan Auster version in the data. Maximum speed is also not measured for every version. City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption are not measured throughout the listed range. CO₂ output and environmental class are likewise not measured.
Those gaps mean power, torque, transmission, drive layout, and kerb weight provide the available basis for comparison, but they do not justify claims about real-world acceleration or mpg. The turbocharged third-generation 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT have 145 hp and 201 Nm, giving them 40 hp and 41 Nm more than the naturally aspirated 105 hp versions. Compared with the 88 hp 1.8 versions, they add 57 hp and 59 Nm.
Nissan Auster dimensions, weight, tank, and wheels
Exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Gross weight and ground clearance are also not measured for any listed version. Kerb weight is not measured for the first- or second-generation versions.
The detailed third-generation cars have measured kerb weights from 1,080 kg to 1,250 kg. Both 79 hp and 90 hp 1.6 MT versions weigh 1,080 kg, while their 1.6 AT counterparts weigh 1,090 kg. The earlier listed 88 hp 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT specifications weigh 1,090 kg and 1,130 kg respectively; the later listings weigh 1,120 kg and 1,160 kg. The 105 hp 1.8 MT weighs 1,120 kg, and the 105 hp 1.8 AT weighs 1,160 kg. The turbocharged 145 hp 1.8 MT weighs 1,230 kg, while the 145 hp 1.8 AT weighs 1,250 kg.
Every detailed third-generation version has a 60-litre fuel tank. Tank capacity is not measured for the first and second generations. Wheel sizes are not measured for most versions; only the third-generation 1.8 AT with 105 hp lists 165/80 R13 and 185/70 R14.
Which Nissan Auster version should you buy?
For the highest output, choose the third-generation 1.8 MT or 1.8 AT with 145 hp. Both provide 201 Nm and Turbo induction. The 1.8 MT weighs 1,230 kg, equivalent to approximately 8.5 kg per hp, while the 1.8 AT weighs 1,250 kg, or approximately 8.6 kg per hp. The Manual is 20 kg lighter, but the two share the same power and torque.
For a naturally aspirated third-generation balance, the 105 hp 1.8 MT is the strongest numerical choice. At 1,120 kg, it carries approximately 10.7 kg per hp. The 105 hp 1.8 AT weighs 1,160 kg, or approximately 11.0 kg per hp. Each produces 17 hp and 18 Nm more than the 88 hp 1.8 versions. Against the same-weight 1,120 kg 1.8 MT with 88 hp, the 105 hp 1.8 MT offers the full 17 hp increase without additional kerb weight.
Between the third-generation 1.6 versions, the 90 hp specification is preferable when output matters. It adds 11 hp and 10 Nm over the 79 hp specification while retaining the same 1,080 kg kerb weight in 1.6 MT form and the same 1,090 kg in 1.6 AT form. The 90 hp 1.6 MT therefore improves the weight-to-power figure from approximately 13.7 to 12.0 kg per hp. The Automatic moves from approximately 13.8 to 12.1 kg per hp.
Choose between generations by layout and body rather than assuming the newest car suits everyone. The first-generation Coupe combines 95 hp with RWD and either 1.6 MT or 1.6 AT. The second-generation Sedan offers 90 hp, RWD, and independent rear suspension. The third-generation Hatchback 5-door provides FWD, broader engine choice, and transmissions ranging from a 3-speed Automatic to a 5-speed Manual. For maximum specification, the answer is the 145 hp 1.8 MT; for a naturally aspirated alternative with a favorable measured weight-to-power relationship, it is the 105 hp 1.8 MT; and for the lightest detailed specification, the 1,080 kg 1.6 MT is available with either 79 hp or 90 hp.