1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 33 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 222 kg more than 1979 Dodge Mirada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Dodge Mirada. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Mirada | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1922 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3200 mm |
