1982 Ford Meteor vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1982 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 627 kg more than 1982 Ford Meteor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Meteor. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Meteor | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Meteor | Altima |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2675 mm |
