1979 Nissan Silvia vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 32 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 415 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (152 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Silvia | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Nissan | Lexus |
| Model | Silvia | IS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2728 mm |
