1980 Nissan Silvia vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 26 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForFour (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 32 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour.
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, 2006 Smart ForFour, 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, 1980 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour. 2006 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1980 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1980 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Nissan Silvia | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Nissan | Smart |
| Model | Silvia | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
