2009 Nissan Armada vs. 2012 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2012 Kia Carnival is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Armada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Armada would be higher. At 5,552 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Armada (313 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2012 Kia Carnival. (186 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Carnival weights approximately 582 kg more than 2009 Nissan Armada.
Because 2009 Nissan Armada 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 Armada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Carnival, 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 Armada (385 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Carnival. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Armada | 2012 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Armada | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5552 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 313 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 2024 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 106 L | 80 L |
