1989 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1989 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 632 kg more than 1989 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Mustang | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2700 mm |
