1981 Nissan Silvia vs. 2007 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2007 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Renault Vel Satis (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 725 kg more than 1981 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2007 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Silvia. 2007 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Silvia | 2007 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Silvia | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2850 mm |
