1989 Nissan Silvia vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1989 Nissan Silvia is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Silvia (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 455 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1989 Nissan Silvia (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Silvia | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silvia | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
