1975 Nissan Silvia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1975 Nissan Silvia. (107 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1975 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 400 kg more than 1975 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Nissan Silvia. (152 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Nissan Silvia | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2651 mm |
