Japan vs Japan — 1989 vs 1973
| Skyline GT-R R32 | Skyline GT-R KPGC110 (Kenmeri) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 2,568 cc | 1,989 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,615 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Length | 4,545 mm | 4,460 mm |
| Units Produced | 43,934 | 197 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 brings more power, better value to the table, and the 1973 Nissan Skyline GT-R KPGC110 (Kenmeri) answers with greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Nissan Skyline GT-R. The 1989 and 1973 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 160 hp, a 120-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Nissan Skyline GT-R uses a Inline-6 Twin-Turbo DOHC 24V displacing 2,568 cc, while the Nissan Skyline GT-R relies on a Inline-6 with 1,989 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 197 units built, the 1973 Nissan Skyline GT-R KPGC110 (Kenmeri) is considerably scarcer than the Nissan Skyline GT-R's 43,934 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Nissan Skyline GT-R KPGC110 (Kenmeri) commands a significant premium over the 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.