1998 BMW 317 vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 17 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 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 89 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. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
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, 1998 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 317 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
