1980 Nissan Silvia vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 31 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (178 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 259 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Silvia. 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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. 2011 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Nissan Silvia | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1269 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
