2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Elantra 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 2,486 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 198 kg more than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 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 Hyundai Elantra, 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 (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Nissan | Hyundai |
| Model | Frontier | Elantra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2486 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4486 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
