Nissan PULSAR N12

Built

1982 to 1986

Versions

1

Body styles

Hatchback

Engine

Inline-4, 1.5L

Power

70 hp

The Nissan PULSAR N12 was built from 1982 to 1986.

The PULSAR, the most traded version: The N12 Pulsar represents Nissan's bold attempt at creating an affordable sports coupe during the early 1980s. Built on the same platform as the Sentra, the Pulsar distinguished itself with distinctive wedge-shaped styling and available T-tops that gave it genuine sports car appeal. The real gem was the turbocharged 1.6-liter E16ET engine option, delivering 110 horsepower through a five-speed manual—impressive figures for its class and era. What makes these cars particularly interesting to collectors today is their rarity and connection to Nissan's experimental period before the 240SX arrived. The Pulsar NX that followed was more successful, but this original N12 generation captures a specific moment when Japanese manufacturers were finding their sports car identity. Clean examples are increasingly hard to find, especially turbocharged models, making them appealing to enthusiasts seeking affordable entry into 1980s Japanese performance culture.

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