2004 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2004 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 23 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 158 kg more than 2004 Fiat Barchetta.
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, 2004 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1981 Nissan Skyline (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (162 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Barchetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Barchetta | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2620 mm |
