1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 95 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 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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda 323 | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
Make | Mazda | Nissan |
Model | 323 | Silvia |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 162 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1010 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |