Question: MKIII Supra or S13?

[Titan]

Hello, I was thinking of buying either an MKIII Supra or S13 within a few months. I was just wondering about the pros and cons of each car, and which one is better overall?

I realize the supra is a fatty at 3463 lbs., but its got 200hp and 188 torque. Also, I really like the targa top... if it doesn't leak.

On the other hand, the 1991 s13 is light at 2657 lbs., but with 155hp and 160 torque.

I've test driven a 1987 MKIII non-turbo supra, and I must say the handling and acceleration is quite nice. I'm just wondering how it compares to the 240sx?

If anyone has any input on which car to choose, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

EDIT: Oh, and I realize the huge problem the MKIII supra has with blown head gaskets... but suppose I found an engine that had it replaced.

[Jeff240sx]

I drove a mk3 supra turbo, and didn't like it.  I liked the cockpit, as everything was centered around you... but still.. the drive was terrible.  All supras are plagued with poor handling.  Even the $40k+ mk4 supras.  If felt like a sled on tires.  The steering wheel was tight, and hard to turn, and the active suspension crap on them breaks often.
The good part was seamless power delivery.  Nice, smooth powerband.
But then I got into my car, and took corners at speeds that would scare the supra.  And the car is soooo comfortable.
And since the power is lacking, modify it.
But stock vs. stock, the power to weight ratios are:
Supra: 17.31 pounds / hp, and 18.42 lbs / ft lb torque
240sx: 17.14 pounds / hp, and 16.6 lbs / ft lb torque
The 240sx will be faster stock than the numbers for the supra you gave.  And it will outhandle it anyday.
But.. I *might* be biased.
-Jeff

[AceInHole]

my friend had a turbo Mk3 and it was plagued with problems, but the styling of the car was pretty nice.  it can't beat the 240 though, except maybe with backseat room (the supra seems to have a tad bit more).
as far as the possibilities, the 240 is also more versatile.  
that said, you're asking people that bought the 240 over the supra <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[DSC]

IMO, 200bhp and 188tq wouldn't be enough for a car weighing in at 3463 lbs.

If you said turbo supra vs s13, then I wouldn't know what to say...but n/a supra vs s13, I'd take the s13.

[Titan]

Thanks alot for the replies... I'm leaning more towards the 240sx considering the handling and reliability.. and of course due to the supra head gasket problem.

With the said, how reliable is the 240sx really? I mean what sort of maintenance is required? Any known problems?

Thanks again.

[DSC]

Other than general stuff that goes wrong with all cars over time the only known problem with s13's is the timeing chain. &nbsp;For the 89-90 s13's there is some timeing chain issue, I don't really know much about it. &nbsp;For ALL s13's there is a timeing chain guide that often brakes off and rattles around under the valve cover. &nbsp;You can simply remove the broken peice and leave it as is, the guide isn't needed.

[zephyr]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">With the said, how reliable is the 240sx really? I mean what sort of maintenance is required? Any known problems?
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

not that i know of...I have a '93 fastback with 104,000 miles and the only problems i've had are...warped rotors, just had them ground; a leaky valve cover gasket (i dont think its EVER been replaced...and it costs like 5 bucks to get a new one and thirty minutes of your time); and....i haven't had any other problems.... &nbsp;just normal maintenance type stuff really, no real defective parts.

[Titan]

Thank you all again. I really appreciate the info.

Just one more question <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Other then new oil and oil filter every 5000km, what other maintenance must you perform on the 240sx? (timing belts, chains, etc.) And at what mileage?

I would just like to keep my future 240sx in great condition.

Thanks once more.

[wherezmytofu]

these r all my opinions

mk3 =
heavy
ugly

240sx =
lighter
sweet

recap:
mke = pos
240sx = sweet

[s15dude]

You have to remember that the supra has a stock turbo, so if you live in cali, and want crazy boost in either car, you might want to test drive both and see if you like the supra better or worse. The 24SX isn't a bad car, but emissions are a pain in the ass cuz we didn't have a stock turbo.