2003 Nissan Xterra vs. 2004 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2004 Subaru Outback is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Subaru Outback (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 90 kg more than 2004 Subaru Outback.
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, 2004 Subaru Outback (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Xterra. 2004 Subaru Outback has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Xterra | 2004 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Nissan | Subaru |
| Model | Xterra | Outback |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
