1986 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 26 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 572 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Altima |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
