1981 Nissan Skyline vs. 2011 Audi A8
To start off, 2011 Audi A8 is newer by 30 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A8 weights approximately 975 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 2011 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Skyline. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A8 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, 2011 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 2011 Audi A8 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. 2011 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Skyline | 2011 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Nissan | Audi |
| Model | Skyline | A8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5268 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3122 mm |
