1986 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 1082 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 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2042 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 80 L |
