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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 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 783 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 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 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1693 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
