1989 Nissan Silvia vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Silvia (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (125 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1989 Nissan Silvia.
Because 1989 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 1989 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1989 Nissan Silvia (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Silvia | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Silvia | 850 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
