The Baby GT-R

The Nissan Pulsar GTi-R, or I as like to call it the Baby GT-R, Is a cheap all-wheel drive hot hatch that has a hidden gem under the hood.

One reason this JDM hot hatch is so cool is that it has the amazing RB20DET the same engine as the 200sx just with a turbo. It puts out a hefty 227 horsepower and 209 pound-feet of torque. This 90’s pocket rocket only weighs 2,600 pounds so it can outperform most sports cars around a track.

Another reason this car is the Baby GT-R is that it has the same all-wheel drive system as the R32 and R33 GT-R’s. But it is smaller so it has sharper handling kind of like a go-kart. This combination of power, lightness, and all-wheel drive make this thing very fun to drive.

I have to admit that The Pulsar GTi-R does not look the best. The hood scoop and wing look very cheap. But the little Inline 6 in the pulsar can make just over 600 horsepower with a bigger turbo, new injectors, better exhaust, and a thicker intercooler.

In the ’90s there was really nothing like it. I mean you had the Civic Type R but that was front-wheel drive. When you have 200 horsepower in a small all-wheel drive hatch you get the perfect formula.

Another upside about the Pulsar GTi-R is they are very cheap today. If you go to your local importer you can get one for $5’000 to $15’000. If you like JDM and you are on a tight budget, this is the car you need.

This is probably the best cheap JDM car right now. I just find it amazing that in the ‘90s Nissan put a 200sx engine in a hatch and added all-wheel drive. It is just one unique car.