1985 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 4 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 242 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.
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, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1985 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | 300 ZX | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2620 mm |
