1985 Nissan Prairie vs. 2000 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 2,552 cc (5 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Microbus (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Microbus should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 685 kg more than 1985 Nissan Prairie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Microbus 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 2000 Volkswagen Microbus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Prairie, 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, 2000 Volkswagen Microbus (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Prairie. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Microbus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Prairie.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan Prairie | 2000 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prairie | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
