1980 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 6 kg more than 1980 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra. 1980 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fairlane | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2685 mm |
