1980 Honda Ballade vs. 2010 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2010 Nissan Frontier is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Frontier (261 HP) has 187 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 627 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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, 2010 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade. 2010 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 2010 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Ballade | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 261 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3200 mm |
