1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 229 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 2004 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2004 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
