2009 Acura RL vs. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RL (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. (266 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RL weights approximately 716 kg more than 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. 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 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Acura RL. (271 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Acura | Nissan |
| Model | RL | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1852 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |
