1978 Nissan Skyline vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Skyline (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 205 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan Skyline 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 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1978 Nissan Skyline (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Skyline | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skyline | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
