1997 Nissan Sunny vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Sunny. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 77 kg more than 1997 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Nissan Sunny. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra 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, 2008 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Sunny. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Sunny. 2008 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Sunny has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Sunny will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Sunny | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Sunny | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 3954 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
