2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 61 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 64 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 Volkswagen GTI, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Frontier | GTI |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 261 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1393 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4213 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1501 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |