2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1979 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
