Performance between DOHC to SOHC!

[ae86itb]

I know people here are more than happy to help newbie pereon/
Question is I just sold my car and in stage looking for a good running 240sx.
I am new in 240, I want to know how much different from SOHC to DOHC S13, engine performance.......
I am not going to do SR20 since Money is the most problem, but want to have a nice daily with nice looking sivlia front.
Which one should I get, I would say Clean 89 sohc I can get for 2000 and clean dohc I have to pay for 3000.
Is the 1000 dollars worth for the different??
Please reply your opinion, thanks~
Have a nice day~

[240racer]

I would say probably not. The DOHC has a better head design, but the difference between them when they are stock is barely enough to notice. My rule of thumb is that you can't really feel a HP diff of less then 20hp. Those two engines are 15hp, so they are getting close. Mostly depends on the condition of the motor in question, if the SOHC has more miles or has been beat on more, then it will be noticebly slower. However, you can probably get a better condition SOHC car for the same price of the DOHC car, in which case I would prefer the SOHC.