1996 Nissan Skyline vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,569 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1208 kg more than 1996 Nissan Skyline.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Nissan Skyline. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Nissan Skyline (368 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Land Rover Defender.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Skyline | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Nissan | Land Rover |
| Model | Skyline | Defender |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2569 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 368 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2370 mm |
