1982 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier

To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1982 Ford Fairlane. (125 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 522 kg more than 1982 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Ford Fairlane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Fairlane. 1982 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1982 Ford Fairlane 2012 Nissan Frontier
Make Ford Nissan
Model Fairlane Frontier
Year Released 1982 2012
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4093 cc 3954 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 125 HP 261 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 4WD
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1400 kg 1922 kg
Vehicle Length 5020 mm 5230 mm
Vehicle Width 1870 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1790 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 3200 mm