1996 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Hyundai Elantra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Hyundai Elantra 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 22 more horse power than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 460 kg more than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Hyundai Elantra. 1996 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
Model | Elantra | Frontier |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 130 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 166 Nm | 232 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1233 kg | 1693 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5230 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1780 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3200 mm |