1985 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima is newer by 20 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 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (276 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 393 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
