1979 Nissan Silvia vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 29 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Altima weights approximately 284 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, 2008 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, 2008 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (152 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Silvia | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Silvia | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2780 mm |
