2011 Nissan Xterra vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 84 more horse power than 2012 Ford Escape. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 225 kg more than 2012 Ford Escape. 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, 2012 Ford Escape, 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Escape. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Xterra | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Xterra | Escape |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1882 kg | 1657 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4539 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1902 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 57 L |
