1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2009 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 31 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima 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 27 kg more than 2009 Nissan Maxima.
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, 2009 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 2009 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2776 mm |
