1997 BMW 850 vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 755 kg more than 1978 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (163 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 850 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2620 mm |
