2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Taurus weights approximately 120 kg more than 1978 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Silvia. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Silvia has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Silvia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1978 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2350 mm |
