1981 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 1999 Nissan Xterra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Nissan Xterra (177 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 726 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra 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, 1999 Nissan Xterra (274 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1999 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2660 mm |
