1984 Nissan Silvia (S12) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Nissan Silvia (S12) has a curb weight ranging between approximately 1160 and 1200 kilograms, which is around 2557 to 2646 pounds. This lightweight nature is a significant advantage for both performance and fuel efficiency. The curb weight reflects the car in its ready-to-drive state, including standard equipment and fluids but without any passengers or cargo. The maximum weight, also known as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), is set at 1635 kilograms (about 3605 pounds). This figure represents the maximum permissible weight of the car, fully loaded with passengers, cargo, fuel, and any additional accessories. Staying within this limit is crucial for safety and maintaining vehicle handling characteristics.

The Nissan Silvia (S12) is equipped with a rim size of 6J x 15 inches, which is quite standard for sports coupes of its era. This indicates 15-inch diameter wheels with a width specification of 6 inches. Matching these rims, the tire size is 195/60 R15. Breaking this down, the tire width is 195 millimeters, the aspect ratio (height to width) is 60%, and the tire fits 15-inch rims with radial construction (R). This combination balances grip, comfort, and performance, offering a responsive driving experience without sacrificing too much in ride quality. The 15-inch wheel size is adequate for spirited driving while maintaining practicality for everyday use.

The Nissan Silvia (S12), with its exterior dimensions of 4350 mm (171.3 inches) in length, 1660 mm (65.4 inches) in width, and 1330 mm (52.4 inches) in height, generally fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Most standard garages are designed to accommodate vehicles approximately up to 6 meters (about 236 inches) long and around 2.4 meters (95 inches) wide. Since the S12 is smaller than these dimensions, it fits with ease, allowing space for opening doors and storage alongside the vehicle. Its relatively low height also means ceiling clearance is not an issue. This makes the S12 practical for owners who need to store their sports coupe securely indoors without the tight spatial challenges often encountered by larger or more modern cars.

Compared to the predecessor Nissan Silvia S110 generation, the S12 introduced in 1984 came with notable dimension changes that reflected evolving design trends and performance requirements. The S110 was slightly smaller and less aggressive in design. The S12’s length of 4350 mm (171.3 inches) was longer than the S110, which measured closer to around 4300 mm (169.3 inches), providing more cabin space and better road presence. The width of the S12 at 1660 mm (65.4 inches) was marginally narrower or similar to the S110, maintaining a compact footprint. The height of 1330 mm (52.4 inches) offered a sleek profile, which was slightly lower than the S110, giving the newer generation a sportier look and improved aerodynamics. These dimensional evolutions helped the S12 strike a better balance between sporty aesthetics and practical usability.

When compared with contemporaries from the 1980s such as the Toyota Celica, Mazda RX-7 (FB), and Honda Prelude (second generation), the Nissan Silvia S12 holds its own in terms of size and sporty appeal. Its length of 4350 mm (171.3 inches) is comparable to the first-generation Mazda RX-7 at 4295 mm (169 inches) but slightly longer than the Celica coupe at around 4280 mm (168.5 inches). In width, the S12's 1660 mm (65.4 inches) is relatively narrow compared to some competitors, which contributed to its nimble handling characteristics. Height at 1330 mm (52.4 inches) also gave it a low, aerodynamic profile akin to these rivals, enhancing performance and style. The curb weight of 1160-1200 kg (2557-2646 lbs) was competitive, ensuring a responsive driving experience. Overall, the S12 offered a balanced package of size, weight, and sporting character typical of the golden era of Japanese sports coupes.

The Nissan Silvia (S12) has a roof load capacity of 100 kilograms, which is roughly equivalent to 220 pounds. This rating indicates the maximum weight that can be safely carried on the vehicle’s roof without risking damage or adversely affecting handling and safety. In practical terms, this roof load capacity allows owners to attach roof racks or carriers for items such as luggage boxes, sports equipment like skis or snowboards, or bicycles, provided the total weight does not exceed the 100 kg limit. Staying within this limit ensures the structural integrity of the roof and maintains proper vehicle dynamics, especially during cornering and braking. It also helps avoid voiding warranty or insurance conditions that require adhering to manufacturer specifications.

Although the Nissan Silvia (S12) is a compact sports coupe with exterior dimensions focused on a sporty design, it offers a cabin that balances driver engagement with passenger comfort. The coupe body style prioritizes a low roofline (1330 mm or 52.4 inches) and a sport-oriented seating position. Front passengers can enjoy relatively adequate headroom and shoulder room considering the car’s width of 1660 mm (65.4 inches), but the rear seats tend to be more suitable for occasional passengers or short trips due to limited legroom and headroom inherent in two-door coupes. The seating arrangement and interior packaging focus more on driver ergonomics and sporty appeal rather than maximum passenger capacity or luxury. This makes it ideal for enthusiasts or small families who prioritize style and driving experience.

Yes, the dimension changes implemented in the Nissan Silvia S12 significantly contributed to improved performance and handling over the previous S110 generation. By increasing the overall length to 4350 mm (171.3 inches) and maintaining a relatively narrow width of 1660 mm (65.4 inches), Nissan achieved a better weight distribution and balance. The lower height of 1330 mm (52.4 inches) helped reduce the center of gravity, which enhances cornering stability and responsiveness. These dimensional tweaks, combined with a curb weight between 1160 to 1200 kg (2557 to 2646 lbs), made the S12 lighter and more agile, vital traits for a sports coupe. The overall package allowed better road-holding capabilities and more engaging driving dynamics, which appealed to enthusiasts looking for a spirited driving experience with practical daily usability.

The Nissan Silvia (S12) stands out among 1980s coupes due to its distinctive blend of sharp, angular design and practical usability. Its 1984 introduction marked a shift towards more modern and aggressive styling compared to its predecessor, featuring pop-up headlights, clean lines, and a low-slung profile — measuring 4350 mm in length and just 1330 mm low. While sporty, the car maintained everyday usability with manageable dimensions allowing it to fit easily in standard garages and navigate city streets. With a curb weight around 1160-1200 kg, it offered a responsive yet accessible driving experience. Moreover, the S12’s comfortable front cabin and usable rear space made it versatile enough to serve as a daily driver while keeping the excitement of a lightweight sports coupe alive. These attributes helped the S12 carve a niche among enthusiasts who appreciated both form and function.