1980 Nissan Silvia vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 363 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Silvia. 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Nissan Silvia | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 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 | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
