1988 Nissan Silvia vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan Silvia (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 11 kg more than 1988 Nissan Silvia.
Because 1988 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 1988 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan Silvia. (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Nissan Silvia | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Silvia | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1808 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
