1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1978 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1978 Nissan Silvia is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 495 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan Silvia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Nissan Silvia (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1978 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | 2CV | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2350 mm |
