1978 Nissan Skyline vs. 1993 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1993 Nissan Maxima is newer by 15 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Nissan Maxima (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 270 kg more than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1993 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1993 Nissan Maxima (253 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1993 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Skyline | 1993 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Skyline | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 253 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
