2003 Nissan Maxima vs. 1997 Opel Frontera
To start off, 2003 Nissan Maxima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Opel Frontera would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1997 Opel Frontera. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Frontera weights approximately 84 kg more than 2003 Nissan Maxima.
Because 1997 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Opel Frontera 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, 2003 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Opel Frontera. (203 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Opel Frontera. 2003 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 1997 Opel Frontera has manual transmission. 1997 Opel Frontera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Maxima | 1997 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Maxima | Frontera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1639 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
