1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1968 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 23 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Nissan Skyline. (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Esprit | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
