1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (197 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia weights approximately 450 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Nissan 200 SX 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 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (265 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan 200 SX Silvia | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 SX Silvia | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
