1978 Ford Capri vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Nissan Skyline is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Skyline (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (87 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 165 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline, 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, 1981 Nissan Skyline (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Capri | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2620 mm |
