1976 Nissan Silvia vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1976 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1976 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 593 kg more than 1976 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima, 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 Kia Optima (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Nissan Silvia. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1976 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1976 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Nissan Silvia | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Silvia | Optima |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2797 mm |
