1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1979 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 18 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 85 kg more than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | 1979 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | A | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
