1988 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 Toyota 4Runner. (112 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota 4Runner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 72 kg more than 1988 Toyota 4Runner. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Toyota 4Runner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Frontier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Toyota 4Runner 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 Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota 4Runner. (192 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota 4Runner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Toyota 4Runner | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | 4Runner | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2366 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1672 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3200 mm |
