2002 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2002 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 21 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 50 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, 2002 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 2002 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Silvia. 1981 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 2002 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 2002 Fiat Barchetta 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:
| 2002 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Barchetta | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
