2008 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. (163 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 535 kg more than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2001 Renault Vel Satis has manual transmission. 2001 Renault Vel Satis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Pathfinder | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2175 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
