2012 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 742 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Nissan | Honda |
| Model | Pathfinder | Civic |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2008 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4884 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1829 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
