1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Skyline (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 280 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1978 Nissan Skyline (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1978 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort 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:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
