1998 Proton 300 vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Proton 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Proton 300 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1998 Proton 300. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1998 Proton 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 970 kg more than 1998 Proton 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Proton 300, 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Proton 300. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Proton 300. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 1998 Proton 300 has manual transmission. 1998 Proton 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Proton 300 | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Proton | Nissan |
| Model | 300 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 2008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1829 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2850 mm |
