1981 Fiat 127 vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 1087 kg more than 1981 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Fiat 127. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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 Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (75 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 127 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 20.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1922 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3200 mm |
