1974 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Nissan Skyline is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2620 mm |
