2003 Proton 400 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 Proton 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Proton 400 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2003 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2003 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 682 kg more than 2003 Proton 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Proton 400, 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 Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Proton 400 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Proton | Nissan |
| Model | 400 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1672 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3200 mm |
