1981 Nissan Skyline vs. 1990 Nissan Terrano
To start off, 1990 Nissan Terrano is newer by 9 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Nissan Terrano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Nissan Terrano (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Nissan Terrano should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Nissan Terrano weights approximately 705 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Nissan Terrano is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Skyline. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Nissan Terrano will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Nissan Terrano (244 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Nissan Terrano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Skyline | 1990 Nissan Terrano | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Skyline | Terrano |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2660 mm |
