1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 3 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Skyline (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
