1986 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 5 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, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 150 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic.
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, 1986 Honda Civic, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2620 mm |
