2009 Kia Optima vs. 1979 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima, 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, 2009 Kia Optima (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia. 1979 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Nissan Silvia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Optima | 1979 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Optima | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
