1996 Nissan Terrano II vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Terrano II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Terrano II would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 296 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota Highlander (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Terrano II has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Terrano II will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Terrano II | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Terrano II | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2800 mm |
