2005 Nissan Hardbody vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Hardbody. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Hardbody would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (155 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 505 kg more than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Nissan Hardbody 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 2005 Nissan Hardbody. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander, 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 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (209 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan Hardbody has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan Hardbody will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan Hardbody | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Hardbody | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1790 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 84 L | 73 L |
