1997 Holden Nova vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Holden Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Holden Nova would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1997 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1997 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 789 kg more than 1997 Holden Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 2011 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Holden Nova, 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Holden Nova. 2011 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1997 Holden Nova has manual transmission. 1997 Holden Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Nova | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Holden | Nissan |
| Model | Nova | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1879 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2700 mm |
