2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 28 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 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 216 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 442 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Corvette | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6198 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
