2012 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 94 kg more than 1980 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Nissan Silvia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 1980 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Fiat 500 | 1980 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3546 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1628 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1519 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2301 mm | 2410 mm |
