1990 Ford Sierra vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1990 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 405 kg more than 1990 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Ford Sierra 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 1990 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima, 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Sierra | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Sierra | Altima |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
