1978 Nissan Skyline vs. 2001 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2001 Toyota Solara is newer by 23 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 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Solara (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Solara weights approximately 190 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, 2001 Toyota Solara, 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, 2001 Toyota Solara (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Skyline | 2001 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Skyline | Solara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
