2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Scion tC
To start off, 2012 Scion tC 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Scion tC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Scion tC (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Scion tC should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 142 kg more than 2012 Scion tC.
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 Scion tC, 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, 2012 Scion tC (234 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Scion tC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 2012 Scion tC | |
| Make | Nissan | Scion |
| Model | Frontier | tC |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2486 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1388 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1415 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 | 55 L |
