240sx vs. Miata
 

So for a while now I've been looking to get rid of the Miata. I like it very much, I love working on it and I love driving it, but I just kind of want to try something different. I'm attracted to the 240SX (I should say an S14, but only because I like the looks more :)) because there is:

HUGE aftermarket
Lots of support
Looks good
Still light, but bigger than the Miata

I know I'm asking this on a Miata forum so it'll obviously be biased, but has anyone owned a 240 and switched to a Miata or visa-versa? (Paging 240 to Miata...). I'll probably do the same I did to my Miata: Either turbo the stock engine or just throw an SR20 in there and add MOAR BOOST!

I'm mainly interested in:
1. In general, how would you compare the comfort to that of a Miata (I know there are a million different factors, but things like road noise, vibrations, that sort of thing).
2. How much does it cost to run compared to a Miata?
3. How was owning it? Just in general. Combining everything overall. Comfort, potential speed, handling, practicality, annoyance, that sort of thing.

Thanks to anyone who helps :).

*Puts on flame suit*

I can't say anything for ownership, but I've ridden in quite a few 240s and just recently drove an SR20 swapped s14 (had FMIC, piggyback, larger turbo, etc) and have just never been impressed. I'm not saying they can't be fun and fast, but all of the ones I've been in just fell short.

FWIW though, this is coming from the guy that sold his turbo miata to buy a 32 year old 2600lb 100hp BMW, so if it is what you want to do, just buy one :)

I have tons of 240 friends and to me, the 240 is boring as shit.

only thing its good for is drifting

Mind elaborating? Not calling you out, I just want to do some research before I buy :).

The car feels like a boat compared to a miata. Not high strung, not nimble, not as responsive. Interior is huuge compared to a maita. Definitely lower quality too (if that's even possible). Tons of squeeks, rattles, etc.

Best way to describe it: its a stretched miata with lower quality construction.


Sure they are easy to mod. I'm sure they're easy to make fast. They can be made to look fantastic.


If you want one just get one and see for yourself. No one can make up your mind for you. Listening to us bitch about or praise them won't really help you.

Go out and drive one.
If you drive a stock one you WILL fall asleep. Guarranteed. Its that slow/clumsy/boring.

A long long time ago (1990 or maybe late 1989, can't remember) I test drove a new 240sx. That same day I drove a Miata. A week later, I was the proud owner of a shiny new white Miata. No comparison.

Lay down and let that thought pass.

drop in a RB26dett brah. that's the only legit way to drift king status.

As much as I hate to admit it... I've toyed with the 240 idea myself in the last few months. Find an S13 chassis in decent shape, wouldn't even have to run. Can find those ever around here all day long for $1000 or even less. Gut the horribly ugly interior and engine bay, respray the entire car, maybe leave carpet in. I don't get the SR20 swap, other than it being the MAD TYTE JDM YO! engine of choice. I'd much rather do a rebuild of the KA24DE with pistons and rods, then easily have an engine capable 400whp. After market parts are plentiful and cheap. Do some pretty costly suspension mods and have a pretty fun, nice looking car for multipurpose fun. Biggest reason is that 240's have a bad name thanks to the vast army of ricers and drifters who half ass them. I'd want to buy one and do a good build, and actually make a all around good car out of one. People always seem to cut corners on 240's.

the popular answer was that it ischeap and basically pnp, so for those broke ass wanna be drifters they can go from stock n/a to a boost ready motor with a complete turbo setup and all the bells/whistles for roughly 1500-2000 compared to spending 2k on building a ka24 and then spending at least ANOTHER 2k on a turbo system.

I was in the same boat right before I bought my Miata. At the time I had friends that hade both an S13 and S14. In stock trim, the S13 was faster, but not nearly as sleek looking. Both we pretty boring to drive, too. If you think about it, the power/weight is nearly the same as an NB. I'd say go for the 240 if you need the extra room. If you are going to get an S14 the 97-98 is the way to go, though. BTW 240's can be made to handle very well, you just don't see it often because everybody wants a supa dorifto mobire.

the KA motor's weakest spot is the head, but then so is the sr20. since the sr20 comes turbo, it's easier to build up since the bottom end has been known to handle 20-25psi with head work(cams), where the ka24 can do maybe 15-20psi, but in the end will cost more than taking a sr20 and doing a few bolt-ons. going with a full blown build, it's not going to matter either way. You'll be spending upwards to 5-8k on both motors if you want a properly built motor. sr20's has way more support and r&d than the ka24, thus more cost effiective. oem parts are cheaper for the ka24, but for strong aftermarket parts, the sr20 is the way to go.

in truth, most drifters only need about 250rwhp with a strong lsd and tires. it really depends on what you're attempting to do with a 240sx to determine what you need.

*edit

re-read your post. get a SE or LE

i've been in a few, and yea, not as twitchy as a miata, but all around better feel for daily use. track use, you need to do some mods, and if you're looking to swap motors, there's several ways to go.

It seems to me that the 240 is losing it's popularity. I just do not see them as often.

There was a 240 with an SR20 going in the 10's at Bradenton. He had enough mph to go in the 9's if he could get the car to work off the start. No cage, roll bar, or any safety equipment. They eventually kicked him off the track.

My main thing is that the KA24 is of course 2.4 vs 2.0 of the SR20. A little head work, bottom end rebuild, and you have a pretty good little engine. I'd rather make more tq all around and more hp on less boost in a KA24.

Don't forget that 98% of 240 owners are broke ass highschool kids with shitty cars....so unless yours is spotless clean and sticks out among the crowd, you'll be lumped into that 'idiot owner' stigma they now own.

I've driven quite a few, and the best term I can think of to describe everything about the car is lazy...handling, comfort, build quality and overall feeling. I personally can't stand S13s...S14 or GTFO.

another good car to consider is the mustang :laugh::laugh:

Which is why I only played with the idea, and only for a week or two, then decided against it. 240s are boring, and really not of my taste. I was just grasping for a super cheap and affordable build that could make good power, and that isn't my daily driver.

I was taken for an acceleration run late one night in one that made 428whp. It was strong on acceleration but as everyone stated the car squeaked, popped, and rattled enough to be annoying in five minutes. It seemed to have body flex issues. The interior plastics were cheap and hard. The owner races for money and the car is quick but aside from the drivetrain the car seemed like junk even though the car looked good.

What's really funny to me is that 240SXs were always girl's cars when they came out. Dads bought them new for their daughters to drive to college and now they are a hardparker's wet dream. Silly ricers.

But only if it is a 2.3l 4 cylinder.

:laugh:

and only if its carburated