1979 Nissan Silvia vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 19 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan Silvia (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 210 kg more than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (152 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Nissan Silvia | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Silvia | Beetle |
Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 106 HP | 91 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 202 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |