2008 Nissan Xterra vs. 2009 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2009 Kia Carnival is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2009 Kia Carnival. (142 HP @ 8800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Carnival weights approximately 1143 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2008 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Carnival. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Carnival. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Carnival. 2009 Kia Carnival has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Carnival will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Xterra | 2009 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Xterra | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2902 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
