1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1997 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1997 Nissan Maxima is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 325 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra. 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, 1997 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1997 Nissan Maxima (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1997 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
