1983 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline

To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 370 kg more than 1978 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 1978 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1983 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1983 Mercedes-Benz S 1978 Nissan Skyline
Make Mercedes-Benz Nissan
Model S Skyline
Year Released 1983 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2746 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 154 HP 106 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 223 Nm 163 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3600 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1560 kg 1190 kg
Vehicle Length 5030 mm 4610 mm
Vehicle Width 1830 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1380 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 2620 mm