1997 Honda Step Wagon vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Step Wagon 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 29 more horse power than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 243 kg more than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Frontier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Step Wagon 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. (186 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Step Wagon. 1997 Honda Step Wagon 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. 1997 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Step Wagon | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Step Wagon | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1693 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3200 mm |
