2009 Mazda Tribute vs. 1979 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,483 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda Tribute (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 Mazda Tribute.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute, 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Skyline. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Skyline. 2009 Mazda Tribute has automatic transmission and 1979 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1979 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda Tribute | 1979 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Tribute | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2483 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
