1989 Chrysler Viper vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1989 Chrysler Viper 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 545 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, 1989 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 488 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chrysler Viper | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Chrysler | Nissan |
| Model | Viper | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
