2003 Lexus IS vs. 1980 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 23 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 390 kg more than 1980 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Lexus IS (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Silvia. 1980 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 2003 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2003 Lexus IS 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:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 1980 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | IS | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
