1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 17 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda S-MX weights approximately 322 kg more than 1981 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Silvia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Silvia. 1981 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda S-MX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda S-MX 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:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | S-MX | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
