1996 Ford Scorpio vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Scorpio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Scorpio would be higher. At 2,487 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Ford Scorpio. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Scorpio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Scorpio weights approximately 111 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 1996 Ford Scorpio 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 1996 Ford Scorpio. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (220 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Scorpio. (202 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Scorpio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Scorpio | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Scorpio | Altima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 2487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
