1983 Nissan Silvia vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Nissan Silvia (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 30 kg more than 1983 Nissan Silvia.
Because 1983 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 1983 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1983 Nissan Silvia (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1983 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1983 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1983 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Nissan Silvia | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
