2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mustang. (200 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 613 kg more than 2004 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mustang. (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Mustang. 2012 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3931 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
