1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 370 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Because 1978 Ford Crown Victoria 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 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
