1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 424 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
