1978 Nissan Skyline vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Skyline (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 216 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Skyline | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skyline | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2340 mm |
