2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 1997 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 238 kg more than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 1997 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Nissan | Suzuki |
| Model | Frontier | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1228 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 42 L |
