1980 Chrysler Avenger vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chrysler Avenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chrysler Avenger would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 999 kg more than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. 2012 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1980 Chrysler Avenger has manual transmission. 1980 Chrysler Avenger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chrysler Avenger | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Chrysler | Nissan |
| Model | Avenger | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1879 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2700 mm |
