1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 16 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 157 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.
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, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Prelude | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
