1984 Ford Sierra vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1984 Ford Sierra. (114 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Altima weights approximately 175 kg more than 1984 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ford Sierra 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 1984 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Sierra. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Sierra. 1984 Ford Sierra has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Ford Sierra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Altima |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
