1984 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier

To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 459 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1984 Ford Escort 2009 Nissan Frontier
Make Ford Nissan
Model Escort Frontier
Year Released 1984 2009
Body Type Hatchback Pickup
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1608 cc 3954 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 53 HP 261 HP
Engine RPM 4700 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 91 Nm 381 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 21.5:1 16.5:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 870 kg 1329 kg
Vehicle Length 3980 mm 5230 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1780 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 3200 mm