2004 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 26 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic.
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 Honda Civic, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (155 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2620 mm |
