2009 Nissan Xterra vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Plymouth Neon would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1998 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 219 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Neon, 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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Plymouth Neon. 2009 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1998 Plymouth Neon has manual transmission. 1998 Plymouth Neon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Xterra | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Nissan | Plymouth |
| Model | Xterra | Neon |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 79 L |
