In all fairness guys, the USDM 240SX, despite its 2400cc displacement, only puts out 140bhp. Thats in a car that weighs 1210kg. The weight distribution is fantastic, making it very predictable under hard driving, and although the UKDM and JDM variants are very tail happy, the USDM car doesnt really have the power to surprise you with it.
In all honesty, I probably still wouldnt opt for one as my first car. And that has nothing to do with the fact that my Stage 2 ''axe murderer'' SX tried killing me on more than one occasion. For a first car, you want something that will teach you to drive as already stated, and you want something thats easy to maneouver. This will probably sound daft to non-Europeans, but the S13 is quite a big car. In fact, the last time I got into the Ripspeed demo car at Santa Pod after having my MX5 for several months, I recall at how much like a limousine it seemed. Much poorer visibility at the rear, and an exceptionally long bonnet compared to my car.
In all honesty, if I were making the choice again, I probably would actually buy an MX5 (or Miata to you). Ive learned more from this car than anything else Ive ever driven, and I include Elises in that statement. I have been thinking recently of buying a 180SX Type-X as a daily driver when my car comes off the road for its SR swap, I think theyre fantastic to look at, and they make a great cruiser. My biggest regret looking back at the SXs Ive owned is that comparatively speaking, I had no idea how to drive the poor buggers properly. Even re-watching a video on my phone from the 'Ring in '06, excuses aside, I spent an awful lot of time off boost.
My post probably hasnt helped you much, so Ill try something else. This is a car Ive been looking to buy over the last couple of weeks. I was too late and it now lives in Ireland, but Im sure you wont fail to appreciate the beauty of this thing.
Edit - Just to clarify engine specs for the S13s...
RS13 - UKDM - CA18DET (1809cc inline 4 turbo) - 167bhp - Garrett T25 turbo
RPS13 - JDM - SR20DET (1997cc inline 4 turbo) - 197bhp - Redtops came with a roller-bearing T28, the later black tops came with the T28 also found on the S14s. The Type-Xs came with a roller-bearing T28.
RHS13 - USDM - KA24DE (2397cc inline 4) - 140bhp - Engine comes from the Nissan Terrano. Decent amount of torque, strong bottom-end.
I guess I interpreted the question as "first car to actually consider keeping for a long period of time." 
Backpeddling much?
Even though i would have no clue what to do when i got in the car 
