2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 187 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 197 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 2009 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Frontier | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 3.9 L/100km |
