1979 Nissan Silvia vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan Silvia (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 100 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1979 Nissan Silvia (152 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Silvia | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
