1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1998 Nissan Skyline is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fairlane. (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Nissan Skyline.
Because 1989 Ford Fairlane 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 1989 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Skyline, 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, 1998 Nissan Skyline (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fairlane. (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fairlane. 1989 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1998 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1998 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fairlane | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 2569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2730 mm |
