1981 Nissan Skyline vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 48 kg more than 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Skyline | 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Nissan | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Skyline | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2640 mm |
