1981 Nissan Skyline vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 103 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Skyline | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Nissan | Lotus |
| Model | Skyline | Exige |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2299 mm |
