2008 Nissan Xterra vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (173 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 199 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 2009 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra, 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 2008 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2009 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2009 Pontiac Solstice will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Xterra | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Xterra | Solstice |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3952 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 49 L |
