1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 112 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Fairlane | Altima |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 124 HP | 270 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 296 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1512 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2675 mm |