1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ford Sierra 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 1987 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1987 Ford Sierra (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2400 mm |
