2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1983 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 225 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2005 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1983 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Elise | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
