1978 Nissan Silvia vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 115 kg more than 1978 Nissan Silvia. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Silvia. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Silvia | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2512 mm |
