NISMO Frontier vs. hummer h3

[Titan4x4Aggie]

I dont know why I'm even comparing these two vehicles, since it's already blatantly obvious that the 2005 Nissan Frontier is far superior (based on the fact that the TITAN is far better than the hummer h2), but, I'm bored and I hate GM, so it's time to have fun.

2005 NISSAN FRONTIER 4x4 OFFROAD (NISMO)





Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Frontier NISMO 4x4
MSRP: $28,300
Engine Size and Type: VQ40DE - 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine
Engine Horsepower: 265 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Engine Torque: 284 ft-lb @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Features: Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Variable Intake System
Transmission: 5-speed AUTO
Drivetrain: 4x4 (shift-on-the-fly 2wd, 4wd HI, 4wd LO)
EPA Fuel (city/hiway): 17/22 mpg
Curb Weight: 4,419 lbs.
Wheelbase 125.9"
Overall length 205.5"
Overall width 72.8"
Overall height
Without roof rack 70.1"
With roof rack 73.9"
Track width (front/rear) 61.8"/61.8"
Ground Clearance: 10.1"
Angle of Approach: 32.6º
Angle of Departure: 23.3º
Ramp over Angle: 20.6º
Max. Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs.
Other / Offroad Features:

• On-demand electronic locking rear differential
• 4-wheel Limited Slip (ABLS)
• Oil pan skid plates, Fuel tank skid plates, Transfer case skid plates
• P265/75R16 BFGoodrich® Rugged Trail® & Full-size spare tire
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
• NISMO-spec Bilstein™ off-road performance shock absorbers
• Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Front tow hook
• Side Curtain Air Bags

vs.

2006 hummer h3 (gm)







Estimated base price: $30,000
Engine type: DOHC 20-valve inline-5, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 211 cu in, 3464cc
Power (SAE net): 220 bhp @ 5600 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 111.9 in
Length/width/height: 186.7/85.5/74.5 in
Curb weight: 4800 lb
C/D-estimated performance (4-sp auto):
Zero to 60 mph: 9.3 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 16.9 sec
Projected fuel economy (mfr's est, 4-sp auto):
EPA city driving: 15 mpg
EPA hiway driving: 18 mpg
Ground Clearance: 9.1"
Approach Angle: 40º
Departure Angle: 37º
Ramp over Angle: 25º
Offroad Features:
Electronically controlled full-time four-wheel-drive with a fully locking rear differential, traction control, underbody shielding and GM's StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system.

I have indicated in bold items that are important when deciding an offroad vehicle. As I predicted based on the battle between the big brothers (TITAN vs. h2), where the TITAN proved superior, the 2005 NISMO frontier also proves superior to the h3 based on a strictly analytical perspective.

Why is the NISMO Frontier better? Simple:

• Cheaper by about $2000 (which you can use to buy a lift / new tires)
• 45 more HP and 60 more FT-LB of torque
• 2/4 MPG fuel savings
• 400 lbs lighter
• more 4x4 options
• 13" narrower width
• 1" more ground clearance
• more towing capacity (a guess of about 1500 - 2000 lbs more, but probably correct since the Nissan's new "compact truck" can tow 500 lbs more than the H2)
• more versatile truck (seats 5 and has a bed to put stuff)
• Lots more Offroading accessories and what not...

The final question is: Are you willing to sacrafice everything the Frontier offers and pay a lot more for a shorter wheelbase and better approach / depature / breakover angles, all wrapped in a GM product?

If three angles mean that much to you, buy a Jeep Rubicon. Otherwise, I'll take a NISMO Frontier!

[Bayou Titan]

The H3 will be built at a plant in my town where the Colorado is being built. The H3 will probably have the underpinnings of a Colorado with the looks of a Hummer. I think it will appeal to those who have more macho than sense.

[Bama334]

The Nismo Froniter is cool, might really have to look in to that, gotta get better fuel mileage than the Titan. Avialible with leather, makes a plush mid-size truck.

[FLfinfan]

Sat in a 2005 Fronty yesterday while waiting for my Titan to get the exhaust tube assy. and Cat. Conv. gasket changed (2nd time). This was to try to get the passenger side tick fixed. Tech said he felt loose material in the tube between the cats when he took it off and shook it. Did not fix the tick. I keep trying to tell them it's the 1st cat near the engine, but hey...what do I know.

Anyways sat in the new Fronty. Only one on the lot. Silver KC. Looks nice from the outside, interior seems like it's good quality. No way a normal size man will fit in the back of the KC. I tried and gave up about 1/2 way in. The front of the cab felt about the same size wise as the 2002 and 1999 Fronty I had, maybe alittle bigger. But then again my perception of the cab size could be alittle off base because I am now used to the Titans cavernous inside...inside...inside...inside (thats a echo your hearing).
I would like to test drive the new CC Fronty and maybe give it a shot, it would probably fit in my garage. The Titan sat outside and took 2 hurricanes on the chin this year when they came through town. I would really like to park my truck inside during those times. It would stay alot cleaner alot longer too. But the GF is dead set against the swap. She loves the Titan (as do I) and is quite vocal about NO TRADE IN! If I get to see a Nismo CC 4x4 in the right color, all bets are off though.

By the way the KC I sat in yesterday was a basic edition, no bells and whistles, crappy general tires, base stereo, 2x2, drop in bed liner, dark cloth interior. It stickered for 21k and change. And the MPG on the sticker was 16-20 mpg. The Titan's sticker said 14-18 mpg. You might not notice a difference in milage with the new 4.0 L

[QWIKWHIP]

The new Frontier is defenitly nice but I don't think I could ever down size now after having the Titan. It's just too big, powerfull and comfy to give up.

[Bama334]

Originally Posted by QWIKWHIP

The new Frontier is defenitly nice but I don't think I could ever down size now after having the Titan. It's just too big, powerfull and comfy to give up.

And mines full of problems, and it's a bit thirsty? At 260 horsepower the weight to power ratio is probably better than the Titan.

[QWIKWHIP]

Originally Posted by TYTAIN

And mines full of problems, and it's a bit thirsty? At 260 horsepower the weight to power ratio is probably better than the Titan.

Well, mine is problem free and I bet that 260hp V6 will suck just as much gas in the real word. And the Titan is still a fair amount faster than the new Frontier. It's not really a fair comparison though, they are two different classes of vehicle.

[Bama334]

Yeah the sticker rating is only 15/20 MPG on the 4x4 ( Frontier) as far as the faster thing, dose'nt matter, but how would you know that?

[QWIKWHIP]

Originally Posted by TYTAIN

as far as the faster thing, dose'nt matter, but how would you know that?

Just going by what the reviews are saying, don't really know for sure I guess.
Ok, that's enough tread jacking for me. Sorry guys.

[abmobil]

Just drove a 05 fronty crew cab base model se with no options except the 4.0 and the 6 speed tranny. It moved very well.

[gtbigup01]

Originally Posted by abmobil

Just drove a 05 fronty crew cab base model se with no options except the 4.0 and the 6 speed tranny. It moved very well.

What is very well? Is it faster than the titan? Or should I say does it pick up faster?

[TitanicSE]

I drove the new pathfinder and the new CC Frontier. Neither is as quick as the Titan, but still quite peppy. The Frontier had the 5 spd auto from the Titan but it's not as smooth as it is in the Titan for some odd reason.
For comparison, I had an 02 Supercharged Frontier CC 4X4 and a pulley upgrade with approx. 240HP. My 02 felt a bit quicker and that truck was about a 7.5 to 8.0 0-60 truck with the auto (I believe stock was about 8.5 to 9 seconds). If the new one is quicker than that, it hides it well. Could be the higher refinement but...it felt slower to me.
The Titan on the, other hand, gets downright scary if you stay on it. It just doesn't let up on power. The 3.3 V6 from the last model (SC included) got very wheezy with speed. It was a great screamer around town but didn't do much on the highway at higher speeds.
Just a little comparo from experience. The new Fronty may be quicker, not sure but, it doesn't feel like it to me.

[Bama334]

[quote=TitanicSE]I drove the new pathfinder and the new CC Frontier. Neither is as quick as the Titan, but still quite peppy. The Frontier had the 5 spd auto from the Titan but it's not as smooth as it is in the Titan for some odd reason.



How does it ride and drive, and are you considering one?

[TitanicSE]

[quote=TYTAIN]

Originally Posted by TitanicSE

I drove the new pathfinder and the new CC Frontier. Neither is as quick as the Titan, but still quite peppy. The Frontier had the 5 spd auto from the Titan but it's not as smooth as it is in the Titan for some odd reason.



How does it ride and drive, and are you considering one?

They both drive great. The new Frontier was leaps and bounds better than my 02 in ride quality and sound deadening. The new rack and pinion steering is a definite improvement over my 02s recirculation ball system.
I drive everything Nissan comes out with. I have good friends at my dealer that I visit periodically and drive the new ones just for the heck of it. My Titan is only a few months old so I'm not in the market for anything else.

[Bama334]

Originally Posted by TitanicSE

They both drive great. The new Frontier was leaps and bounds better than my 02 in ride quality and sound deadening. The new rack and pinion steering is a definite improvement over my 02s recirculation ball system.
I drive everything Nissan comes out with. I have good friends at my dealer that I visit periodically and drive the new ones just for the heck of it. My Titan is only a few months old so I'm not in the market for anything else.

I was just wondering, I sure do like'em but not sure about trading either
Thanks