2009 Honda Insight vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2009 Honda Insight is newer by 28 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, 1981 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Honda Insight. (87 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Insight weights approximately 266 kg more than 1981 Nissan Silvia.
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, 2009 Honda Insight, 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, 1981 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Insight. (121 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Insight | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Insight | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1276 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
