S13 vs S14 - aerodynamics and handling

[simmode1]

Never really compared my S13 against my S14 in terms of handling, since my hatch has way more mods. All I know is, after having to replace my s14's fuel tank for the 2nd time in a year, I'm getting rid of it. The S14 is a little more annoying to work on than the S13, IMO. S13's are now my preferred chassis, at this point.

[Luvs2slide]

Originally Posted by fliprayzin240sx

. You upgrade an S15 to handle like an S14.

Fixed.

msglength

[cdlong]

Originally Posted by Silverbullet

less squat.

I think you mean more anti-squat (comparing the s13 to s14). The s14 has a slightly better suspension layout and stiffer chassis so it should handle better. Having owned both, I prefered the s13 because it felt more lively and it felt like I was the center of rotation of the car. That seems to be lost on the s14 (though it could be the suspension tuning) but I'd bet the s14 is actually faster.

[drift freaq]

Originally Posted by cdlong

I think you mean more anti-squat (comparing the s13 to s14). The s14 has a slightly better suspension layout and stiffer chassis so it should handle better. Having owned both, I prefered the s13 because it felt more lively and it felt like I was the center of rotation of the car. That seems to be lost on the s14 (though it could be the suspension tuning) but I'd bet the s14 is actually faster.

This is pretty much the truth. The thing is though the s14 has what some people consider to be slightly better suspension geometry its not perfect either.

The real deal with these cars is a preferential thing. Some people think putting a S14 rear subframe in the S13 improves it. Others say putting the s14 subframe in over compensates.

Truth be told taking both cars with suspension modifications the S14 indeed drives great but imparts a different feeling to the driver. It does not scream at you to throw it around and go for it. It says ya I can do that if you want.
Whereas the s13 begs you to drive it hard.

While all the S14 owners and lovers will tell you its superior in all way shapes and forms. Truth be told it was the 180sx that was manufactured longer and sold more in Japan. There is something to be said about that.

Oh and in fact the S15 actually is closer to the s13 in driver feel than a S14.

People forget that the s14 was specifically softened (even though the chassis is stiffer) in certain aspects for the average consumer i.e. secretary, because of complaints that the s13 was too harsh.
The S13 embodies the true feel of the sports car it is trying to show.

Oh and yes the 180sx was the most popular sports car ever sold in Japan. They do consider it a sports car over there.

[ManoNegra]

agreed Dave
I like both and daily an S14
but will readily admit that S13s are a better driver's car
hatches that is, wouldn't touch a coupe with a stick

[thrax]

That number early in the thread for s13 co-efficient of drag seems right and is also important to note was pretty good for its era.
I would only say subjectively that an s13 felt microscopically better handling than s14. But as one poster mentioned, the current condition of the cars suspension will be more of a factor than what it came with.

Just a side note, here in Canada when s14 came out they marketed the car as more of an affordable luxury coupe rather than the affordable sports car which makes me wonder if they softening the suspension slightly.

[heiyuu]

I have a 180sx!!!

Everyone that rides or drives it always says the same thing "YOU'RE CAR IS FAST!"

And my response is always "Nope, it *FEELS* fast"

[rcdad123]

i have a 1989 hatch for a daily driver and i love my car. it`s almost stock except for stock replacement Tokico springs and struts, stickier 17 inch Falken rt615 tires and a homemade exhaust. i worked on a few s14s with the same or more mods than my s13 and in my opinion, the s13 for a race car(if i do build one), and s14 for a daily driver.(i would love to have a 97-98 s14 for my DD). the s14 interior IMO feels like your driving a current car. everything inside feels like a new car. as for actually driving the car, i feel the s13 responds way quicker than an s14. i guess they built the s14 to accommodate a wider range of customers(ie, older people, moms, secretaries, lol.) s14, IMO, does not respond to steering inputs as fast as an s13.

[Hoffman5982]

Haven't heard that one before...

[cdlong]

Originally Posted by drift freaq

They do consider it a sports car over there.

I wouldn't doubt it, it had 30% more power than our version did...and they didn't have Corvettes.

[Perfect Balance]

I'm not sure what the reasoning behind it is, but I've noticed nobody really makes a successful (on a professional level) S13 time attack car, they always go for the S14s. I think it might have something to do with the rear suspension geometry, which iirc, was slightly improved.

Now, I would say the S13 is more of a driver's car, it's definitely more "raw" feeling in a sense, but as far as outright speed potential, I'd probably say S14.

I remember going to a track day about a year ago and there was an S13 running on 285 slicks and a turbo ka24, big carbon wing on the back, driving the piss out the car, you could see the car slightly sliding through the corners, and right behind it was a spec Miata that the S13 couldn't shake.

To give you an idea of how that works, you need to keep in mind that a Spec Miata is essentially a stock Miata that weighs more and has slicks. A mildy tuned Miata with a few bolts ons, a roll bar, slicks and a properly dialed in suspension is faster than a Spec Miata.

On the other hand, there's S14s like the one Scorch puts out that do really well, and you just don't see that as often with S13s.

[chinabean]

subscribed son'!

[fliprayzin240sx]

Originally Posted by Luvs2slide

Fixed.

msglength

I think the S15 was designed with better handling in mind...you should upgrade your damn rear subframe to an S15 one so itll be less twitchy. Help keep you from making out with the wall again...