1998 Nissan Serena vs. 2003 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2003 Toyota Avensis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Avensis (113 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Serena. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Avensis should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 15 kg more than 1998 Nissan Serena. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Nissan Serena 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 1998 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Avensis, 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, 2003 Toyota Avensis (273 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan Serena | 2003 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Serena | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
