2012 Kia Carnival vs. 2003 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Kia Carnival is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 2,902 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Carnival is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Carnival (142 HP @ 8800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Carnival weights approximately 640 kg more than 2003 Nissan Xterra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Carnival. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Kia Carnival (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Kia Carnival | 2003 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Carnival | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2902 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2220 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
