1987 Ford Sierra vs. 2001 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2001 Nissan Maxima is newer by 14 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), 2001 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 270 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, 2001 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, 2001 Nissan Maxima (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra. 2001 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2001 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2760 mm |
