1989 Nissan Prairie vs. 2009 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Prairie. (98 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 427 kg more than 1989 Nissan Prairie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Nissan Prairie is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Prairie 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Prairie. (164 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Prairie.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Prairie | 2009 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Prairie | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2776 mm |
