2009 Nissan Xterra vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Altima 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 (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Altima. (251 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 170 kg more than 2009 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Nissan Altima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Altima. (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Xterra | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Xterra | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
