2003 Volvo S40 vs. 1980 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (161 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 446 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.
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, 2003 Volvo S40, 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2003 Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40 | 1980 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Volvo | Nissan |
| Model | S40 | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1456 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
