1981 Nissan Skyline vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 31 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (237 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 466 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Skyline | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Skyline | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3250 mm |
