2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 27 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Skyline (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
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, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Fiesta 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:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2620 mm |
