The history of the Nissan S14
The Nissan S14 is a popular sports car that attained a cult following among JDM enthusiasts. It started life in 1994 and experienced varying degrees of success in the markets it was released in. Today we will deep dive into the history of the Nissan S14 and discover what makes it so great.
The birth of the S14
The Nissan S14 is the successor of the megahit that was the S13. In many ways, it was an evolution of the S13. The S14, just like its predecessor is a lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports coupe. The S14 was introduced in 1993 and remained in production until 1998. The S14 had a more rounded style than the S13 and slightly increased in size. Both the wheelbase and track width increased which led to a more stable platform with improved handling. To this day, swapping an S14 rear subframe into an S13 remains a popular upgrade for increased grip in the rear. Many of the geometry flaws in the S13 got fixed in the S14, especially in the rear end.
The handling is not the only thing that received an upgrade. Japanese and European models got a spicy engine upgrade in the form of a new ‘notchback’ SR20DET. This version of the SR20DET received a new T28 turbocharger and introduced variable cam timing on the intake side. The result was an increase of 12 horsepower and an increase in torque. But moreover, it unlocked more tuning potential.
In addition to its performance and handling, the S14 was also appreciated for its style, which was characterized by its sleek lines and classic sports car proportions. The S14 featured a new design language that emphasized curves and aerodynamic features. The car’s long hood and short rear end gave it a distinctive silhouette that was instantly recognizable.
Despite its impressive performance and handling, the S14 faced stiff competition from other Japanese sports cars such as the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra, as well as from American muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. However, the car developed a strong following among car enthusiasts who appreciated its combination of style, performance, and affordability.
First Generation S14 (1993-1996)
First generation Nissan S14
The first generation of the S14 featured a more rounded style compared to its predecessor, the S13. The styling of the S14 shared many similarities with the Nissan Skyline R33. The S14 was almost like a little brother to the R33. This first generation of S14s is often called the ‘zenki’ model, meaning ‘prior period’ in Japanese. Initial sales figures were good, exceeding expectations in its debut year. But in 1995, Nissan experienced a sharp decrease in sales for the S14 in export markets. The total sales numbers paled in comparison to those of the S13. In 1996 Nissan introduced a heavily updated facelift model.
Second Generation S14a (1996-1998)
Second generation Nissan S14
The second generation of the S14 is often called the ‘kouki’ model, meaning ‘later period’ or simply the S14a. Whilst many of the technical components remained the same, the same can’t be said for the exterior. The front end got a complete redesign. Its previous rounded shapes now looked aggressive with a complete redesign of every body panel. A new hood, new headlights, bumpers, side skirts, and taillights were introduced.
The facelift model also received new color options, a new steering wheel, a new instrument cluster, boost gauge, and lost its full-size spare tire in favor of a space-saving one. The S14a also ditched the EGR system in favor of two catalytic converters. The alarm system was now linked to the ECU, which means that if you swap an ECU in an S14a you need to get it reprogrammed. The second generation of the S14 is often the more desirable generation.
Whilst the S14 was a big hit in Japan, the same can’t be said for the rest of the world. Sales gradually declined as consumers trended towards SUV’s and other larger cars. The successor, the S15, was never released outside of Japan.
Cultural Impact
Just like the S13, the S14 had a large cultural impact. It picked up where the S13 left off and was a favorite among drifters, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout, advanced suspension system, and precise handling. It quickly became one of the most popular platforms for drifting competitions and events. The car also got featured in movies such as the Fast and Furious franchise and featured in video games such as Need for Speed. But the S14’s cultural impact goes beyond just drifting and movies. Its sleek design, advanced engineering, and affordable price point made it a favorite among car enthusiasts of all kinds. It stood out from the crowd with its distinctive styling and helped to establish Nissan’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars.
In short, the Nissan S14 was more than just a car. It was a symbol of speed, style, and performance, and a cultural icon that will always be remembered by car enthusiasts and racing fans alike. To this day, the S14 is a loved car by many and can often be seen in motorsport environments. Be it drifting or grip driving, the S14 is competent at both. Like many old Japanese sports cars, the S14 commands a premium price these days and it can be hard to find an unmolested example. Clean examples often fetch 15k+.
Conclusions
The S14 is a favorite among car enthusiasts. It had some up and downs during its initial lifespan and ultimately, sales figures dwindled by the late 90s in most markets. The S14 was the last s-chassis generation that countries outside of Japan received. Nowadays the S14 is loved by many and has an almost cult following. Clean S14s are hard to come by, and if you find one, expect to pay a premium. For many years the S14 was a cheap drift car, easily replaced. These days, there is an increased focus on restoring these cars. More original styling with increased performance is starting to become more popular. A trend that I am personally happy with.
