1997 Nissan Skyline vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1997 Nissan Skyline is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,569 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 384 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Celica 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 1978 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Nissan Skyline (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 1978 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Skyline | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Skyline | Celica |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2569 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
