1986 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1986 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Altima weights approximately 389 kg more than 1986 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Ford Mustang 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 1986 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima, 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (219 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Mustang | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Altima |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2776 mm |
