1981 Nissan Stanza vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Stanza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Stanza would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (81 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 450 kg more than 1981 Nissan Stanza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (245 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (130 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Stanza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Stanza | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Stanza | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2800 mm |
