2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 79 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 384 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 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 Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | Frontier | Equinox |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1713 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2858 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 71 L |
