1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 2 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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Skyline (93 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 335 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Nissan Skyline is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Nissan Skyline (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2620 mm |
