1989 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 8 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 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Skyline (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. (108 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 295 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
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, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina (183 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Lumina | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Lumina | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2474 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2620 mm |
