2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 436 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2011 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 2011 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima. 2011 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Altima | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
