1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 110 kg more than 1978 Cadillac Seville. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Cadillac Seville. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Seville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Seville | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
