2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Skyline. (271 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 8 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Because 2003 Ford Mustang 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Skyline. (368 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1996 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 368 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2730 mm |
