2008 Mercedes-Benz R vs. 2003 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 5 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 715 kg more than 2003 Nissan Xterra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | 2003 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | R | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2295 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3220 mm | 2660 mm |
