1989 Nissan Santana vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1989 Nissan Santana 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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 93 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Santana weights approximately 24 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 Nissan Santana, 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 1989 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Santana. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1989 Nissan Santana has manual transmission. 1989 Nissan Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Santana | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Santana | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
