1984 Ford Sierra vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 28 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1984 Ford Sierra. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 230 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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 Nissan Sentra (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Sierra. (216 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2685 mm |
