2009 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 357 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Maxima | Soul |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 48 L |
