1986 Nissan Santana vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1986 Nissan Santana is newer by 5 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan Santana weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Nissan Silvia.
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, 1986 Nissan Santana, 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, 1981 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Santana | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Santana | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
