2003 Mitsubishi Montero vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mitsubishi Montero would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Montero weights approximately 221 kg more than 2012 Nissan Frontier.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. (336 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. 2003 Mitsubishi Montero 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. 2003 Mitsubishi Montero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Montero | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Montero | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3828 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2140 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3200 mm |
