1981 Nissan Skyline (R30) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Nissan Skyline R30 sedan has a curb weight ranging from approximately 1,100 kg to 1,200 kg (2,425 to 2,645 pounds) depending on the specific trim and options. This weight is relatively light for a mid-size sedan of the early 1980s, thanks in part to its compact dimensions and efficient construction techniques of the time. The lighter weight assists in better fuel efficiency and more nimble handling when compared to larger sedans, enhancing both daily usability and sporty driving characteristics. This balance between size and weight was significant in maintaining competitive performance and ride quality.

The Nissan Skyline R30 sedan was designed to comfortably seat five passengers across two rows. With an emphasis on driver and passenger comfort, the interior layout provides adequate legroom and headroom for its class during the early 1980s. While specific interior dimensions vary by trim, the cabin features ergonomic seating and sufficient space for average-sized adults. Rear bench seating accommodates three passengers, though the middle seat is best suited for shorter trips due to limited width. Overall, the interior balances compact external dimensions with functional passenger comfort.

The Nissan Skyline R30 sedan offers a moderately sized trunk that suits typical sedan needs of the early 1980s. Exact cargo volume figures are not extensively documented, but the trunk space is ample for everyday use such as groceries, luggage, and small to medium-sized items. The shape of the trunk opening and flat loading floor provide practical usability. While it may not compare to modern sedans with enhanced cargo capacity, for its time and segment, the R30's trunk was competitive, offering a functional balance of passenger seating and cargo storage.

Yes, the Nissan Skyline R30 fits comfortably into a standard single-car residential garage. With an overall length of about 4,515 mm (177.6 inches) and a width under 1,700 mm (66.7 inches), it allows for ample clearance in typical garage dimensions, which generally measure around 6,000 mm (236 inches) in depth and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width. Its relatively low height of 1,380 mm (54.3 inches) ensures no challenges with garage ceilings. This means the R30 is easy to park, store, and maneuver inside most residential garages without risk of damage or tight spaces.

The predecessor to the Skyline R30 was the Skyline R31 (Note: Actually the R31 succeeds the R30; the predecessor is the Skyline R30's predecessor is the Skyline R30), which actually is incorrect because the R30 is followed by the R31. So the predecessor is the Skyline R30's predecessor—the Skyline R30 was preceded by the Skyline 2000 (C210). Compared to that generation, the R30 featured a slightly more compact body, refined aerodynamics, and weight reduction measures. It was generally shorter and narrower than the C210 series models, reflecting Nissan's shift towards a more modern, efficient design. These changes made the R30 lighter and more agile, improving fuel economy and driving dynamics while maintaining similar passenger capacity.

The Nissan Skyline R30 stands as a competitively sized mid-size sedan when compared to contemporaries like the Toyota Mark II or the Honda Accord from the early 1980s. With its length of just over 4.5 meters (approx. 177.6 inches), it is slightly more compact than some competitors, which often exceeded 4.6 to 4.7 meters (181 to 185 inches) in length. Its width and height are also on the slightly smaller side, aiding urban maneuverability. This compactness makes the R30 agile in city traffic while still offering sufficient cabin space, differentiating it as a sportier alternative in the mid-size sedan market in Japan and select export markets.

The Nissan Skyline R30 presents a boxy and angular exterior typical of early 1980s sedans, which affects how its size is visually perceived. Its squared-off front grille and rectangular headlamps emphasize width, while sharp body lines along the sides accentuate its length. The relatively low roofline and compact height give the car a sporty stance, which can make it appear smaller than it actually is. Bold wheel arches and minimal overhangs reinforce a compact yet assertive presence on the road. These design choices combine to present the R30 as a mid-size vehicle with an athletic, purposeful look.

The Nissan Skyline R30 came with several engine options during its production from 1981 to 1985, including inline-six naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Notably, the R30 marked the introduction of turbocharged variants in the Skyline lineup. Engine displacements ranged mostly between 1.8 to 2.8 liters, with power output varying depending on specific engine tuning and models, from around 99 hp to over 170 hp for turbo variants. The R30 models emphasized a sportier driving experience with improved handling and responsiveness, making it popular among enthusiasts while remaining practical for daily use.

The Nissan Skyline R30 holds a significant place in the Skyline heritage as it represented key advancements including the adoption of turbocharged engines and the expansion of variants such as sedans and early coupé versions. Produced between 1981 and 1985, it bridged the classic designs of earlier generations and the more modern and technologically advanced successors. While the R30 may not be as internationally renowned as the later R32 and R34 models, it remains an important transitional model revered by collectors and enthusiasts for its blend of classic boxy styling and early forced induction technology.