1978 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2003 Nissan Xterra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 650 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2003 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Accord | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2660 mm |
