True car enthusiasts know that Nissan has been offering the world premiere sports cars such as the Nissan SXs, Zs, and GT-Rs. The Japanese company has a rich history of exceptionally fun cars, and a top 10 list won’t suffice, so we made it the top 15 best Nissan Sports Cars of all time. For those who really love automobiles, you’ll surely find multiple cars on this list that offers the best features.
#15 Nissan Micra Superturbo
Nissan manufactured a subcompact commuter car called the Micra. However, in 1989, the Japanese company unveiled the Micra Superturbo. Receiving a turbocharger, the Micra got a huge upgrade on its 0.9-liter four-cylinder engine. When you think it ends there, think again because there’s more under the hood. Aside from the turbo, a supercharger was also added.
The Nissan Micra Superturbo features 108 hp because it’s twin-charged. This incredible vehicle comes with a five-speed manual transmission plus a limited-slip differential up front. The Micra is not sold in the U.S. It’s available in Canada, and Nissan even holds a Micra Cup race series in the North American country.
#14 Datsun Sports
Before the emergence of the well-renowned Nissan/Datsun Z cars, the Sports models were the prominent ones going back to the 1960s. The Sports, which was called Fairlady in Japan, were roadsters that were initially bannered by the Sports 1000 that featured a 38-hp 1.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Succeeding it would be the Sports 1200, Sports 1500, Sports 1600, and the last one – the Sports 2000.
By the launch of the 2000, power had already reached 133 hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. This seemed too much for a 2,000-pound car. The Sports not only delivered on performance but also showcased a stylish roadster design that clearly features significant British influence.
#13 Nissan Silvia 240RS
Back in 1983, Nissan aimed for a new car for rally racing. The Japanese company decided to take a look at the S110 Silvia, called the 200SX in the U.S., as a basis. Nissan upgraded its mechanics and provider wider bodywork. The race car featured a unique 2.4-liter version of the F.J. four-cylinder engine. The Nissan 240RS produced 237 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque.
Although Nissan had high hopes for the 240RS, it only achieved moderate world rally racing success. Unfortunately, the 240RS failed to live up to expectations.
#12 Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
The 1990-1994 Nissan Pulsar GTI-R is another sports car that Nissan manufactured for World Rally Championship requirements. This model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 210 lb-ft of torque and 227 hp. The Pulsar GTI-R also offered an all-wheel drive.
What distinguished the GTI-R from the regular Pulsar models was its hood scoop, lower bodywork, and big wing. The GTI-R was quite heavy, but it was still relatively light when you consider the amount of power that it offered.
#11 Nissan Silvia NISMO 270R
The Nissan Silvia MISMO 270R is similar to the 240RS as both are one-off special vehicles based on the Silvia platform. The major difference between the two was that the 270R was not made for rally racing. It was meant for the track. This sports car was based on the S14 Silvia. The 1994 270R was actually made by NISMO, which is the tuning arm of Nissan.
It was coined 270 based on the total horsepower produced by its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This was a significant improvement over regular Silvias. This car also featured enhancements such as a two-way limited slip differential in the rear and an aero kit.
#10 Nissan 350Z/370Z
The Nissan Z car had a brief hiatus but made its return in 2002 as the 350Z. It featured a 3.5-liter V6 producing 286 hp. The two-seat sports car showcased a modern and sexy styling that was ahead of its time. In 2008, the 350Z caught up with the competition by making 306 hp.
The next generation of Z cars came out in 2009 and was called the 370Z. The term 370 was based on the improvement in engine displacement for the V6 engine that went up to 3.7 liters. Its power increased up to 332 hp. The Nissan 370Z was lighter and smaller compared to the 350Z.
#9 Nissan Silvia Spec R Aero
The Silvia had multiple iterations, but Nissan saved the best for last. Its final version was known as the Spec-R. It was the hot-rod version of the Silvia that had the same 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, just like the other Silvias. However, it offered changes to its other components.
The chassis and body were reinforced. Instead of a five-speed manual, the Spec-R featured a six-speed manual. Four-wheel steering was offered, and the brakes were also upgraded. The Aero package was also available as it featured a big rear wing.
#8 Nissan Juke-R
Nissan experimented and installed the GT-R’s mechanics with a 545-hp 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 that powered all four wheels via a dual-clutch transmission, and the Nissan Juke-R was born. It had a nutty car concept, but it was actually built by the Japanese car company.
By 2015, Nissan even upgraded it and revealed the Juke-R 2.0, which utilized the mechanics of the GT-R NISMO. It featured 600 hp and 481 lb-ft.
#7 1969-1973 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R
The Skyline GT-Rs can be considered as the ones that actually started it and helped make the GT-R and Skyline the now-known automotive icons of today. The Skyline GT-R was introduced in 1969 and featured a five-speed manual transmission and a 160-hp 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine.
In 1973, the model’s second generation arrived and was powered by a similar 2.0-liter six-cylinder. However, this one would only last for one year before Nissan discontinued it.
#6 Nissan 280ZX/300ZX Turbo
In 1978, Nissan replaced the original Z cars with the Z.X. The Nissan 280ZX was the first model, and it featured a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine producing 145 hp. A turbocharger was added as an option in 1981, and it increased the power of the Z.X. to 180 hp.
The second generation of the Z.X. arrived in 1983. It offered a 3.0-liter V6 in turbocharged or naturally aspirated form. Towards the end of this specific model’s run, its turbo engine produced anywhere from 200-270 hp.
The 300ZX would be the final version in 1989. This featured a 2+2 configuration together with the 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. It became one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars back in the 90s, which was considered the golden age for the auto industry of Japan.
#5 Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS
Like what Nissan did with the Juke-R, the company took the GT-R’s mechanics and put them under a wagon. It produced the Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS. The conversion was more affordable and more seamless compared to the Juke-R.
The Stagea’s top-of-the-line featured a 2.6-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine which produced 276 hp. This sports car was a manual, all-wheel drive. A turbocharged super-wagon may sound weird, but Nissan really made it happen.
#4 Nissan 240Z/260Z/280Z
The Z cars of Nissan achieved an iconic status that only a few other sports cars came close to. As soon as the 1970 240Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) was introduced, it was immediately labeled as a poor man’s Jaguar because it looked similar in terms of style.
The original Z featured a 2.4-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 151 hp. It weighed around 2,300 lbs. By 1974, the Z’s engine was enhanced to 2.6-liters, and its name was changed to 260Z. After one year, a bigger engine was installed, and the 280Z was introduced. The weight of the car increased, yet the car’s power reached 170 hp.
Many car enthusiasts still consider the original Z cars among the best-looking sports cars ever.
#3 Nissan GT-R
When the Skyline GT-R was discontinued, a gap was left in terms of the Nissan performance hierarchy. Nissan felt the need to fill the void and created a no-nonsense and purpose-built sports car named the GT-R. This impressive vehicle is powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine. The GT-R has become one of the most popular sports cars as it has earned a reputation for crushing the more expensive and more powerful competition.
In 2008, the Nissan GT-R was originally making 478 hp. Today, this supercar can produce over 600 hp in the NISMO form. Power is only one aspect of the great performance of the GT-R. It also offers a dual-clutch transmission plus an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
#2 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32-R34
Had it not been for the Skyline GT-R R32, R33, and R34, the modern GT-R may not have even come to fruition. The R32, R33, and R34 meant three generations of the Skyline GT-Rs sold from 1989-2002. The Skyline sedan and coupe were the basis for this model. It offered an all-wheel drive that could take on and beat cars both on the track and on the road. It adhered to the self-imposed horsepower limit of 276 ponies. All of the versions of the Skyline GT-R, except for the 400R, showcased a turbocharged 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine.
#1 Nissan R390 GT1
The Nissan R390 GT1 featured a 3.5-liter V8 connected to a sequential six-speed transmission that sent power to the rear wheels. This specific sports car looked similar to a Le Mans prototype for the streets. Its top speed was 220 mph, and it also had the ability to dispatch the quarter mile in just over 11 seconds. The Nissan R390 GT1 was revered as one of the fastest sports cars during its heyday.