2008 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 27 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, 2008 Honda Civic (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 344 kg more than 1981 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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 Honda Civic (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Silvia. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
