1980 Nissan Silvia vs. 1981 Saab 900
To start off, 1981 Saab 900 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Saab 900 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1980 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Saab 900, 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, 1981 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Nissan Silvia | 1981 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Nissan | Saab |
| Model | Silvia | 900 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
