The Nissan 100 NX (B13) 1.6, producing 90 horsepower, was a compact coupe manufactured from 1990 to 1994. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the 100 NX range, it aimed to provide affordable and stylish transportation, particularly appealing to younger drivers. The B13 generation 100 NX represented Nissan’s attempt to capture a segment of the market seeking a sporty, yet practical, coupe. It was primarily sold in Europe and Japan, with limited availability in other markets. This variant, with its 1.6-liter engine and automatic transmission, offered a balance between fuel efficiency and ease of driving, though it wasn’t the performance-oriented choice within the lineup.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | 100 NX |
| Generation | 100 NX (B13) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1990 |
| End of production | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 136 Nm @ 4000 rpm (100.31 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GA16DS |
| Engine displacement | 1597 cm3 (97.45 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1067 kg (2352.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1459 kg (3216.54 lbs.) |
| Max load | 392 kg (864.21 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 330 l (11.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4135 mm (162.8 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1315 mm (51.77 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2430 mm (95.67 in.) |
| Front track | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 100 NX 1.6 utilized Nissan’s GA16DS engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection, contributing to its relatively smooth operation and decent power output for its displacement. The GA16DS produced 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 136 Nm (100.31 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s design prioritized fuel efficiency and reliability over outright performance. The automatic transmission was a four-speed unit, designed to provide comfortable and convenient shifting. While it offered ease of use, it did impact acceleration compared to the available five-speed manual transmission.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine paired with the four-speed automatic transmission delivered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.2 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 115 mph. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and smooth cruising, resulting in a somewhat leisurely driving experience. Compared to the manual transmission version, the automatic felt noticeably slower, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. The power delivery was linear, but the engine lacked the punch of the higher-spec 2.0-liter variants. The 100 NX 1.6 was best suited for urban driving and relaxed highway cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6-liter automatic version of the 100 NX typically came with a modest level of standard equipment. This included power steering, central locking, and basic instrumentation. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included electric windows, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The trim level was generally considered the base model, aimed at buyers prioritizing affordability. Higher trim levels, often paired with the larger engines, offered more luxurious features like leather upholstery and alloy wheels.
Chassis & Braking
The 100 NX featured a front-wheel-drive layout with independent wishbone suspension at the front and a spring strut arrangement at the rear. This suspension setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was included as standard, enhancing safety. The relatively lightweight nature of the 100 NX (around 2352 lbs) helped to mitigate the effects of the modest engine power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan 100 NX 1.6 automatic received mixed reviews. Critics generally praised its fuel efficiency and affordability, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter versions, the 1.6 felt underpowered, especially with the automatic transmission. Fuel economy was a strong point, averaging around 38 mpg on combined cycles. Reliability was generally good, typical of Nissan products from that era. The 1.6 automatic appealed to buyers seeking a practical and economical coupe, while those prioritizing performance often opted for the higher-spec models.
Legacy
The Nissan 100 NX 1.6, while not a standout performer, remains a reasonably reliable and affordable classic car. The GA16DS engine is known for its durability, and parts availability is generally good. Today, these cars are sought after by enthusiasts looking for a retro coupe that is relatively easy to maintain. The automatic transmission, while not as sporty as the manual, offers a comfortable driving experience. The 100 NX 1.6 represents a snapshot of 1990s Japanese automotive design, offering a blend of style, practicality, and affordability.
