2009 Ford Kuga vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Ford Kuga 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 3,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2009 Ford Kuga. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Kuga. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Kuga weights approximately 250 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Kuga. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Kuga.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Kuga | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Kuga | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
