1985 Ford Tempo vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1985 Ford Tempo. (100 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 1151 kg more than 1985 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Tempo, 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Tempo | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Tempo | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3200 mm |
