1988 Ford Tempo vs. 1999 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 1999 Nissan Xterra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 479 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Tempo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Tempo | 1999 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Tempo | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2660 mm |
