1998 Nissan Skyline VIN Verification

INTRODUCTION

The 1998 Nissan Skyline (R34 series) represents the tenth generation of this iconic Japanese coupe/sedan, celebrated for its blend of performance, style, and technological advancement. Available in multiple trim levels—from naturally aspirated GT to turbocharged 25GT and legendary GT-R—the R34 continued Skyline’s legacy as a sports car icon. 

HISTORY & ORIGINS

• The R34 Skyline launched in May 1998, introducing refined RB engines (RB25DET NEO, RB20DE NEO), updated styling, and advanced electronics. 

• It continued Nissan’s performance lineage, offering coupe (ER34), sedan (ENR34), and GT-R variants through the early 2000s. 

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

• GT (Base): 2.0 L RB20DE/N­EO, ~155 hp, 186 Nm torque; RWD, 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto.

• 25GT and 25GT-X: 2.5 L RB25DE, ~200 hp, 255 Nm; RWD coupe/sedan, manual gearbox. 

• 25GT-T / GT-T Coupe: 2.5 L RB25DET turbo, ~280 hp; manual or auto, front-engine RWD. 0–60 mph ~5.1 s.

• GT-R: (late ’98) 2.6 L twin‑turbo RB26DETT, ~276 hp (JIS), AWD via ATTESA‑E‑TS, 0–60 mph ~4.5 s. 

DESIGN & FEATURES

• Exterior: The R34 features sharper, angular styling with quad taillights, alloy wheels, and aggressive front fascia. The GT-R model adds a signature wing and larger intakes. 

• Interior: Well equipped with bucket or sport seats, advanced digital/analog gauges (GT-R includes a performance dash), available climate control, power amenities, and optional sunroofs on non-R trims.

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

• GT: Entry model with naturally aspirated RB20DE engine.

• 25GT / 25GT‑X: Sportier grand tourer with RB25DE, available in coupe/sedan.

• 25GT‑T: Turbo version delivering enhanced performance.

• GT-R: Flagship AWD model with RB26DETT, Super-HICAS steering, Brembo brakes—culture icon. 

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

• R34 Skyline featured advanced for its era: anti-lock brakes, multi-link suspension, Super-HICAS rear-wheel steering on sport trims. GT-R includes ATTESA E-TS AWD system. 

• Driver conveniences: power windows, airbags (on later models/export trims), climate control, and aftermarket upgrades are common.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

• RB20DE GT: ~26.7 mpg (combined); RWD.

• RB25DE 25GT: approx. 25.8 mpg combined. 

• RB25DET and RB26DETT: lower efficiency (mid-teens mpg) due to turbo and performance tuning.

MARKET COMPARISON

• The R34 GT-R is often placed alongside iconic performance cars (e.g., Porsche, Ferrari) and competes with other JDM legends like Evo VI/VIII and WRX STI. 

• Standard trims offered compelling balance of performance, luxury, and distress—rare for the era.

PRICING

• Original MSRP (1998): GT around ¥1–2 million, higher trims cost more.

• Today’s values:

  • GT/25GT: US$15k–30k depending on condition.

  • 25GT-T: US$25k–45k.

  • GT-R (R33/R34): US$70k–200k+, especially clean R34 V-Spec II and well-preserved examples. 

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• R34 GT-R’s ATTESA E‑TS AWD and Super-HICAS systems, along with RB26DETT, cemented its status among best performance cars of the era. 

• R34 retained Skyline’s reputation as a motorsport icon and continues to rank high in best Skyline model discussions.