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 2,486 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 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 665 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.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2486 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
