1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 188 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Mirada | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2675 mm |
