1996 Audi A3 vs. 1979 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 45 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3, 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 Audi A3 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (152 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1979 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Audi | Nissan |
| Model | A3 | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
