1987 Ford Sierra vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 25 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 330 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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 Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2685 mm |
