1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Silvia. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2350 mm |
