1981 Nissan Skyline vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2003 Panoz Esperante is newer by 22 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 52 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.
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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Skyline | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Nissan | Panoz |
| Model | Skyline | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |
