2009 Nissan Xterra vs. 2008 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Saturn Aura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Saturn Aura 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 98 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Aura. (164 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Aura.
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, 2008 Saturn Aura, 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Aura. (216 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Aura. 2008 Saturn Aura has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Xterra | 2008 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Nissan | Saturn |
| Model | Xterra | Aura |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
