1986 Nissan Silvia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Nissan Silvia (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 205 kg more than 1986 Nissan Silvia.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1986 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1986 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Silvia | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2651 mm |
