1985 Ford Fairlane vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1985 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 340 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Because 1985 Ford Fairlane 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 1985 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1985 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fairlane | Altima |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
