2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Ford C-Max
To start off, 2012 Ford C-Max 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 156 more horse power than 2012 Ford C-Max. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford C-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford C-Max weights approximately 108 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 Ford C-Max, 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 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford C-Max. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford C-Max. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford C-Max has manual transmission. 2012 Ford C-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Ford C-Max | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Frontier | C-Max |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1828 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2788 mm |
