1979 Nissan Silvia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 33 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 380 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (152 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Nissan Silvia | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Silvia | Jetta |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 106 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4644 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1482 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2651 mm |