1980 Nissan Silvia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 32 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 390 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, 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Nissan Silvia | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Silvia | Jetta |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 97 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4557 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1781 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |