1981 Chevrolet Blazer vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Blazer would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Blazer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 170 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Blazer | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Blazer | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2050 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
