2009 Nissan Xterra vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 122 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 1100 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. 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, 2012 Honda Civic, 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 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Xterra | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Nissan | Honda |
| Model | Xterra | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2316 kg | 1216 kg |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
