2009 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Vibe. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Vibe.
Because 2011 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 2011 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Vibe, 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Vibe. (128 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Vibe | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Vibe | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
