2009 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 121 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 4 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 2008 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic 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:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| 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 | 140 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
