1985 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 110 kg more than 1985 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Mustang (285 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Altima |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2810 mm |
