1989 Nissan Vanette vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1989 Nissan Vanette is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Vanette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Vanette (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Vanette should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 434 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Nissan Vanette 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 1989 Nissan Vanette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1989 Nissan Vanette (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Vanette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Vanette | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Nissan | Plymouth |
| Model | Vanette | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2080 mm | 2530 mm |
