S13 vs S14 - aerodynamics and handling - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

/etc/shadow · 02-15-2003, 10:20 PM

How do the S13 and S14 compare in terms of aerodynamics and handling? I've *heard* that the S13 has a better drag coefficient, but I've never seen the numbers. I suspect the S13 handles better due to the base S14 not having a rear sway bar.

Thoughts?

*DSC* · 02-15-2003, 10:48 PM

"I suspect the S13 handles better due to the base S14 not having a rear sway bar."
But the SE does, so that doesn't really solve anything.

My ass-0-meter says s13's handle better than s14's stock vs stock.

As far as aerodynamics, s13FB wins.

*transient* · 02-15-2003, 11:01 PM

W00T! Hail to the fastback

/etc/shadow · 02-15-2003, 11:03 PM

Hell yes, I'm a fastback driver. I think the S14's look nice and all that, but I love the retro feel of the early nineties Nissan sports car, specifically my S13 Fastback.

AmherstSR20DET · 02-15-2003, 11:11 PM

Haven't seen numbers but having driven both an S13 FB (my 91 SE) and an S14 (think it was a 95 or 96 SE), the FB had a better feel. I also agree with transient about the retro looks of the FB. I personally like the FB just a little better than the S15 (flame away if you must, its my personal opinion).

tnord · 02-15-2003, 11:44 PM

in theory, the S13 should handle better due to the lighter weight. but on the other hand, it is significantly older, and most likely has many worn out bushings and other suspension components. in actualy testing today, the S14 might out-handle the S13.

drift freaq · 02-16-2003, 01:01 AM

I do not know about the S14 but here is the raw data on the S13 Fastback
drag coefficent .31
center of gravity .29
skidpad rating .89 G's on stock SE suspension
which basically means with upgraded suspension you can pull a G or over in the corners.
IMHO S14's feel and drive like larger cars. Though they really are not that much larger or heavier.
They do have a more refined ride. None the less I would still drive a S13 before I ever drove and S14 . Yes if they had a S15 here in the states I would want one.
On that note though I will stick with the S13.

*Jeff240sx* · 02-16-2003, 01:09 AM

IIRC, the coefficient of drag on a S14 SE model is .31 also. The base model is a little higher (.32 or .33) due to the front fascia.
Also, depending on who you believe, the s14 se has the same skidpad ratings. I have no clue on the CG though.
-Jeff

DarkRaptor42 · 02-16-2003, 01:16 AM

s13 I would say handles a little better to start off with, however this is with parts in good condition. I think with aftermarket setups the s13 wins hands down though.

p_action · 02-16-2003, 04:50 AM

hrm...interesting...i feel the same way when driving friends S14 then going to drive my S13...

S13 feels more nimble...almost like it has a shorter wheelbase. Likes to pivot more accurately...actually much more controllable. Kinda odd...but stock for stock the S13 feels more stable even at high speed sweeping turns...ack who knows!

but yeah...S14 rides more like a touring car...i think the spring rate is not much higher on the S14 vs S13 stock... and the car weighs more...hence the softer ride..

But dont get me wrong...S14 can handle excellent when properly set up!

-- Peter

SimpleS14 · 02-16-2003, 07:53 AM

S13 handles better than the S14, but if the S15 was over here I would take it over any of the two.

<-- wishes he had a S15 Aero SpecR

DarkRaptor42 · 02-16-2003, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GT specR
S13 handles better than the S14, but if the S15 was over here I would take it over any of the two.

<-- wishes he had a S15 Aero SpecR

word brother, word.

BLiTz · 02-16-2003, 11:43 AM

tnord,
Thats what it really comes down to in the end...doesn't matter how much you pollish it up, its still a 11 year old car...goes hand and hand with that old saying..."no matter how much you polish a turd, its still a turd" not comparing a 240 with a turd, but just making a statement. Thats the only reason i truely dislike my car, is that any way you look at it its still a 92, dangit.

*transient* · 02-16-2003, 08:08 PM

Whoa, you're talking like you can't breathe life into an older car. Say what you will, but when i'm done with my 1990 fastback, it's going to be just like new. I'm stripping it down this spring to swap the engine, replace any bushings that need to be replaced, replace bad body panels, suspension components, you name it. Just because it's old doesn't mean it has to be run down

p_action · 02-16-2003, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BLiTz
tnord,
Thats what it really comes down to in the end...doesn't matter how much you pollish it up, its still a 11 year old car...goes hand and hand with that old saying..."no matter how much you polish a turd, its still a turd" not comparing a 240 with a turd, but just making a statement. Thats the only reason i truely dislike my car, is that any way you look at it its still a 92, dangit.

it's also safe to say the Nissan cars built during this time period were built with higher quality standards...usually making them last longer...same with Toyota too...

S13_RB20?!? · 02-16-2003, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tnord
in theory, the S13 should handle better due to the lighter weight. but on the other hand, it is significantly older, and most likely has many worn out bushings and other suspension components. in actualy testing today, the S14 might out-handle the S13.

if your comparing the USDM's then your right but a 98' S13 vs. a 98' S14 JDM... i don't think so...
when it comes to style the S13 hands down. we have the taillight's and the sleek "hey im a sports car look" the s14 looks like a grocery car. no offense to any s14 owners but thats what i think.

/etc/shadow · 02-16-2003, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by p_action
it's also safe to say the Nissan cars built during this time period were built with higher quality standards

Thank god for that.

http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?threadid=23153

KyoLo · 02-16-2003, 09:00 PM

My friend Mike crashed 80MPH and totalled his 98 S14 sr20det into Azusa wall "directly".......he walked out unharmed...so i believe all Silvia chassis are made tough and they are all safe from crash test. And i also believe all car companies improve cars over years and years.....so...
S14 zenki prob looks like a grocery car, but kouki S14 definitely not... hahaha ..... aggressive shark eyes do not look like MAZDA 626 nor old camry. (no offense at all, we're all brothers). And about handling, i think they should be all ABOUT the same, not much differences, and they have purposes on different changes on every new model to make cars better. So maybe newer model is improving on speed, but sacrifice a little bitty handling .....u can see the example of s13, s14, and s15 from 200hp to 220hp then to 250hp~!! right?

DuffMan · 02-16-2003, 09:24 PM

I think the S14's dampening and spring rates are a little less than the the S13's stock for stock. However the S14's stiffer chassis gives it more overall potential.

Stee Flo · 02-16-2003, 10:13 PM

I used to have an s14 and it feels similar in terms of handling to my s13. The s13 does feel a bit more nimble, but not significantly. They both handle well and have a similar feel.

MikeFD3S · 02-17-2003, 12:48 AM

s13's handling feels a lot tighter than s14's. S14's suspenion is a lot softer for better ride comfort.

LOL @ crashing at Azusa...another one bites the dust. Was it his first time there? GMR should have a sign -- "Initial D tryouts! Darwinian SPL!"

mrdirty · 02-17-2003, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BLiTz
...no matter how much you polish a turd, its still a turd....

How long have you been polishing your $hit? No more turd polishing ok? That's just wrong.

BTW: Tell that to a guy driving a mint 240z...

bluezenkis14 · 09-19-2011, 08:20 AM

I guess I'm the only one that thinks s14's handle better I own an s14 se and drive it everyday I drove my friends coupe and a friends vert and to me they feel bigger and they feel more like boats IMHO

Silverbullet · 09-19-2011, 09:02 AM

oh lawwwdy lawd.

raz0rbladez909 · 09-19-2011, 09:20 AM

LOL This is one of the oldest thread bumps I've seen, hell the thread was around before I ever registered.

brizanden · 09-19-2011, 09:22 AM

actually the s14 has a slightly longer wheelbase which makes it more predictable when drifting and driving hard, ie less snappy (try drifting a miata bitch pops out way fast and hard). Also the rear suspension of s13 is more squat making it good for drift but as far as maintaing high exit speeds of turns (no drifting) the s14 has the edge as it can maintain proper traction if u want it to. I read an article about this years ago. ill try to find it.

bluezenkis14 · 09-19-2011, 09:29 AM

Also it might just be my illusions as I don't drive a car with flip up headlights all the time

Silverbullet · 09-19-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brizanden

Also the rear suspension of s13 is more squat making it good for drift but as far as maintaing high exit speeds of turns (no drifting) the s14 has the edge as it can maintain proper traction if u want it to..

less squat.

*fliprayzin240sx* · 09-21-2011, 01:04 AM

A good rule of thumb...you upgrade suspension on an S13 to make it handle like an S14. You upgrade an S14 to handle like an S15. Its just the natural progression of things, S14s handle better and smoother than an S13, grip or drift. Some people like the twitchy feedback of the S13s, some prefer the smoother feel of S14s.

But holy shit, this thread is almost as old as the forum itself...

Imarvin240 · 09-21-2011, 01:17 AM

i have owned both an S13 coupe and S14 and have had all the same suspension mods on both, power plants, aero, wheels/tires, ect. i personally think they handled the same. i agree with the above that the S13 is a bit more twitchy and the S14 has a bit of a smoother feel to it. just my own opinion hah

02-15-2003, 10:20 PM	#1
/etc/shadow Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 167 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	S13 vs S14 - aerodynamics and handling How do the S13 and S14 compare in terms of aerodynamics and handling? I've heard that the S13 has a better drag coefficient, but I've never seen the numbers. I suspect the S13 handles better due to the base S14 not having a rear sway bar. Thoughts?

02-15-2003, 10:48 PM	#2
DSC New Title Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: VA Posts: 3,454 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	"I suspect the S13 handles better due to the base S14 not having a rear sway bar." But the SE does, so that doesn't really solve anything. My ass-0-meter says s13's handle better than s14's stock vs stock. As far as aerodynamics, s13FB wins. __________________

02-15-2003, 11:01 PM	#3
transient Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Los Angeles, California Age: 37 Posts: 2,947 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	W00T! Hail to the fastback __________________ Learn everything you can, while you still have the chance.

02-16-2003, 01:01 AM	#7
drift freaq R.I.P. Aya, always love Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Los Feliz/Hollywood Posts: 18,558 Trader Rating: (215) Rides Gallery: drift freaq Feedback Score: 215 reviews	I do not know about the S14 but here is the raw data on the S13 Fastback drag coefficent .31 center of gravity .29 skidpad rating .89 G's on stock SE suspension which basically means with upgraded suspension you can pull a G or over in the corners. IMHO S14's feel and drive like larger cars. Though they really are not that much larger or heavier. They do have a more refined ride. None the less I would still drive a S13 before I ever drove and S14 . Yes if they had a S15 here in the states I would want one. On that note though I will stick with the S13. __________________ "Having a lot of tracks on a song is like putting stickers on a car to get more horsepower" New Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uebV1OnbRsw Buy my mounts! http://zilvia.net/f/sale-items/51531...ns-mounts.html http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/317539...e-mouts-6.html

02-16-2003, 01:09 AM	#8
Jeff240sx I hate you too... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Tampa, FL Age: 38 Posts: 5,828 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Jeff240sx Feedback Score: 0 reviews	IIRC, the coefficient of drag on a S14 SE model is .31 also. The base model is a little higher (.32 or .33) due to the front fascia. Also, depending on who you believe, the s14 se has the same skidpad ratings. I have no clue on the CG though. -Jeff __________________ Whatup?

02-15-2003, 11:03 PM	#4
/etc/shadow Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 167 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hell yes, I'm a fastback driver. I think the S14's look nice and all that, but I love the retro feel of the early nineties Nissan sports car, specifically my S13 Fastback.

02-15-2003, 11:11 PM	#5
AmherstSR20DET Leaky Injector Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The 'L' Age: 41 Posts: 125 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Haven't seen numbers but having driven both an S13 FB (my 91 SE) and an S14 (think it was a 95 or 96 SE), the FB had a better feel. I also agree with transient about the retro looks of the FB. I personally like the FB just a little better than the S15 (flame away if you must, its my personal opinion).

02-15-2003, 11:44 PM	#6
tnord Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,975 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	in theory, the S13 should handle better due to the lighter weight. but on the other hand, it is significantly older, and most likely has many worn out bushings and other suspension components. in actualy testing today, the S14 might out-handle the S13.

02-16-2003, 01:16 AM	#9
DarkRaptor42 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lodi CA Age: 37 Posts: 542 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	s13 I would say handles a little better to start off with, however this is with parts in good condition. I think with aftermarket setups the s13 wins hands down though. __________________ 04 WRX STi 90 Sil- Camino R.I.P. AE86 20v MS R.I.P. KA-T www.209forums.com

02-16-2003, 04:50 AM	#10
p_action Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Age: 39 Posts: 41 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	hrm...interesting...i feel the same way when driving friends S14 then going to drive my S13... S13 feels more nimble...almost like it has a shorter wheelbase. Likes to pivot more accurately...actually much more controllable. Kinda odd...but stock for stock the S13 feels more stable even at high speed sweeping turns...ack who knows! but yeah...S14 rides more like a touring car...i think the spring rate is not much higher on the S14 vs S13 stock... and the car weighs more...hence the softer ride.. But dont get me wrong...S14 can handle excellent when properly set up! -- Peter

02-16-2003, 07:53 AM	#11
SimpleS14 Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Philly Age: 38 Posts: 9,185 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: SimpleS14 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	S13 handles better than the S14, but if the S15 was over here I would take it over any of the two. <-- wishes he had a S15 Aero SpecR __________________ *Goals are dreams with a deadline.* L.H.O.O.Q.

02-16-2003, 11:43 AM	#13
BLiTz Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lakewood, Co. Age: 34 Posts: 306 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	tnord, Thats what it really comes down to in the end...doesn't matter how much you pollish it up, its still a 11 year old car...goes hand and hand with that old saying..."no matter how much you polish a turd, its still a turd" not comparing a 240 with a turd, but just making a statement. Thats the only reason i truely dislike my car, is that any way you look at it its still a 92, dangit. __________________ -Trent 97' S14 Black and Beautiful NISMO LMGT-2's FOR SALE http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=152217

02-16-2003, 08:08 PM	#14
transient Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Los Angeles, California Age: 37 Posts: 2,947 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Whoa, you're talking like you can't breathe life into an older car. Say what you will, but when i'm done with my 1990 fastback, it's going to be just like new. I'm stripping it down this spring to swap the engine, replace any bushings that need to be replaced, replace bad body panels, suspension components, you name it. Just because it's old doesn't mean it has to be run down __________________ Learn everything you can, while you still have the chance.

02-16-2003, 09:00 PM	#18
KyoLo Zilvia Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: UCSD Posts: 249 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My friend Mike crashed 80MPH and totalled his 98 S14 sr20det into Azusa wall "directly".......he walked out unharmed...so i believe all Silvia chassis are made tough and they are all safe from crash test. And i also believe all car companies improve cars over years and years.....so... S14 zenki prob looks like a grocery car, but kouki S14 definitely not... hahaha ..... aggressive shark eyes do not look like MAZDA 626 nor old camry. (no offense at all, we're all brothers). And about handling, i think they should be all ABOUT the same, not much differences, and they have purposes on different changes on every new model to make cars better. So maybe newer model is improving on speed, but sacrifice a little bitty handling .....u can see the example of s13, s14, and s15 from 200hp to 220hp then to 250hp~!! right? __________________ Signature Exceeds Forum Limits

02-16-2003, 09:24 PM	#19
DuffMan Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: in a cardboard box Posts: 2,517 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I think the S14's dampening and spring rates are a little less than the the S13's stock for stock. However the S14's stiffer chassis gives it more overall potential.

02-16-2003, 10:13 PM	#20
Stee Flo Endless Knights Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NoVa Age: 42 Posts: 528 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I used to have an s14 and it feels similar in terms of handling to my s13. The s13 does feel a bit more nimble, but not significantly. They both handle well and have a similar feel. __________________

02-17-2003, 12:48 AM	#21
MikeFD3S Zilvia Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Torrance, CA Age: 41 Posts: 240 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	s13's handling feels a lot tighter than s14's. S14's suspenion is a lot softer for better ride comfort. LOL @ crashing at Azusa...another one bites the dust. Was it his first time there? GMR should have a sign -- "Initial D tryouts! Darwinian SPL!" __________________ '93 FD3S R1 '92 SC300 5SP '87 FC3S Sport Turbo II conversion '90 240SX Hatch '89 240SX Coupe [dead] '91 Geo Storm [dead] '86 FC3S GXL [gone]

09-19-2011, 08:20 AM	#23
bluezenkis14 Leaky Injector Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: United States Age: 30 Posts: 79 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I guess I'm the only one that thinks s14's handle better I own an s14 se and drive it everyday I drove my friends coupe and a friends vert and to me they feel bigger and they feel more like boats IMHO

09-19-2011, 09:22 AM	#26
brizanden Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: C-Bus, ohio Age: 32 Posts: 640 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	actually the s14 has a slightly longer wheelbase which makes it more predictable when drifting and driving hard, ie less snappy (try drifting a miata bitch pops out way fast and hard). Also the rear suspension of s13 is more squat making it good for drift but as far as maintaing high exit speeds of turns (no drifting) the s14 has the edge as it can maintain proper traction if u want it to. I read an article about this years ago. ill try to find it.

09-19-2011, 09:29 AM	#27
bluezenkis14 Leaky Injector Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: United States Age: 30 Posts: 79 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Also it might just be my illusions as I don't drive a car with flip up headlights all the time

09-21-2011, 01:04 AM	#29
fliprayzin240sx Man w/ CTSV & a Car Seat Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 17,998 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: fliprayzin240sx Feedback Score: 19 reviews	A good rule of thumb...you upgrade suspension on an S13 to make it handle like an S14. You upgrade an S14 to handle like an S15. Its just the natural progression of things, S14s handle better and smoother than an S13, grip or drift. Some people like the twitchy feedback of the S13s, some prefer the smoother feel of S14s. But holy shit, this thread is almost as old as the forum itself... __________________ If you think Zilvia has too many assholes... CLICK HERE!!!

09-21-2011, 01:17 AM	#30
Imarvin240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: king of prussia, PA! Posts: 1,721 Trader Rating: (18) Feedback Score: 18 reviews	i have owned both an S13 coupe and S14 and have had all the same suspension mods on both, power plants, aero, wheels/tires, ect. i personally think they handled the same. i agree with the above that the S13 is a bit more twitchy and the S14 has a bit of a smoother feel to it. just my own opinion hah __________________ https://instagram.com/eck_matthew/

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