1981 Nissan Patrol 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 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 167 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 156 kg more than 2012 Nissan Frontier.
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 Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Patrol.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Patrol | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Patrol | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 3200 mm |
