1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Xterra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Xterra (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 42 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2006 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
