2011 Nissan Xterra vs. 2005 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Carnival 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 113 more horse power than 2005 Kia Carnival. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 767 kg more than 2005 Kia Carnival. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Kia Carnival, 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Carnival. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Xterra | 2005 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Xterra | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1882 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4539 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1902 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
