2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan 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, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 604 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Nissan | Dodge |
| Model | Frontier | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
