1986 Ford Orion vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Orion would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 950 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Orion | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Orion | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4000 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 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
