1980 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 567 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3200 mm |
