2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2003 Toyota Corolla

To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Corolla 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 172 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Corolla. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 218 kg more than 2003 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2009 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Toyota Corolla. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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 2003 Toyota Corolla. (127 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Corolla. 2003 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Nissan Frontier 2003 Toyota Corolla
Make Nissan Toyota
Model Frontier Corolla
Year Released 2009 2003
Body Type Pickup Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3954 cc 1396 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 261 HP 89 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 381 Nm 127 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 16.5:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1228 kg 1010 kg
Vehicle Length 5230 mm 4390 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1790 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 3200 mm 2610 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 50 L