1986 Nissan Silvia vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 Nissan Silvia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Nissan Silvia (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (127 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 235 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1986 Nissan Silvia (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Silvia | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2480 mm |
