2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 1982 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 662 kg more than 1982 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 2009 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Toyota Tercel, 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 Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (107 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 1982 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Frontier | Tercel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2440 mm |
