1986 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Nissan Frontier

To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier is newer by 25 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort.

Because 2011 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 2011 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2011 Nissan Frontier 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. 2011 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1986 Ford Escort 2011 Nissan Frontier
Make Ford Nissan
Model Escort Frontier
Year Released 1986 2011
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1751 cc 3952 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 59 HP 261 HP
Engine RPM 4800 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 110 Nm 381 Nm
Torque RPM 2500 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 21.5:1 9.8:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Length 4090 mm 5230 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1860 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1880 mm
Wheelbase Size 2520 mm 3200 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 80 L