1981 Ford Fairlane vs. 2007 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2007 Nissan Frontier is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Frontier (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 130 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Frontier, 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, 2007 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2007 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2007 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fairlane | 2007 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fairlane | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3200 mm |
