1979 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. (118 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 351 kg more than 2011 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 2011 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. (298 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Cadillac Eldorado | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Eldorado | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1879 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
