1979 Nissan Silvia vs. 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 28 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 2,501 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 366 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, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Silvia | 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2580 mm |
