2008 Saturn Astra vs. 2011 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Saturn Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Saturn Astra would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 576 kg more than 2008 Saturn Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Frontier 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 2011 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Astra, 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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Astra | 2011 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Saturn | Nissan |
| Model | Astra | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 80 L |
