1979 Nissan Silvia vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 23 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 306 kg more than 1979 Nissan Silvia. 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, 2002 Nissan Altima, 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 1979 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1979 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Silvia | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Silvia | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2810 mm |
