1996 Nissan Sunny vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 3,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 440 kg more than 1996 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Nissan Sunny. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sunny. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Sunny has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Sunny will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Sunny | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Sunny | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3200 mm |
