1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia vs. 1996 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (197 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia.
Because 1997 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 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Maxima, 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 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (265 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (178 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan 200 SX Silvia | 1996 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | 200 SX Silvia | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
