1997 Ford F-150 vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford F-150. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford F-150 would be higher. At 5,406 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Ford F-150. (256 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford F-150. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-150 weights approximately 907 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
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, 1997 Ford F-150 (467 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford F-150 | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | F-150 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5406 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 3200 mm |
