1986 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Nissan Xterra

To start off, 1999 Nissan Xterra is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 714 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1999 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1999 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1986 Ford Escort 1999 Nissan Xterra
Make Ford Nissan
Model Escort Xterra
Year Released 1986 1999
Body Type Station Wagon SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1115 cc 2393 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 48 HP 141 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 83 Nm 209 Nm
Torque RPM 2700 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 74 mm 89 mm
Engine Stroke Size 65 mm 96 mm
Drive Type Front 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 870 kg 1584 kg
Vehicle Length 4090 mm 4530 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1800 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1890 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 2660 mm