2009 Honda Element vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, both 2009 Honda Element and 2009 Nissan Xterra were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 855 kg more than 2009 Honda Element. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element, 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Element | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
