1987 Ford Sierra vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 15 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 241 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, 2002 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra. 2002 Nissan Altima 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. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Altima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
