1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Xterra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Xterra (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 140 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Nissan Xterra (386 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 2006 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
