1998 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1998 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1998 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Escort weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Nissan Silvia.
Because 1980 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 1980 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Escort, 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, 1980 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Escort. 1980 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Nissan Silvia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Escort | 1980 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
