1996 Toyota Carina vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (82 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 225 kg more than 1981 Nissan Silvia.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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 Toyota Carina (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Silvia. 1981 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Silvia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Carina | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
