Nissan Fuga: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Nissan Fuga choice comes down to engine output, drive system, weight, and generation. The first-generation Sedan ran from October 2004 through October 2009, while the second-generation Sedan began in November 2009; each generation has four listed versions. For lower kerb weight, the first-generation 2.5 AT is the lightest at 1,630 kg.
The Nissan Fuga choice comes down to engine output, drive system, weight, and generation. The first-generation Sedan ran from October 2004 through October 2009, while the second-generation Sedan began in November 2009; each generation has four listed versions. For lower kerb weight, the first-generation 2.5 AT is the lightest at 1,630 kg. For the strongest performance figures actually measured, the first-generation 4.5 AT produces 333 hp and 451 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 274 km/h. Buyers who want AWD can choose a 3.5 AT in either generation. The second-generation engines offer more power than their like-sized first-generation counterparts, but acceleration and top-speed figures for that generation are not measured.
Nissan Fuga generations: what changed?
The first generation, produced from October 2004 to October 2009, is a Sedan with four versions: 2.5 AT, 3.5 AT with RWD, 3.5 AT with AWD, and 4.5 AT. Its strongest advantage for comparison shopping is the availability of measured performance figures across all four versions. Every version has an Automatic gearbox with 5 speeds, an 80-litre tank, independent spring suspension at both ends, and ventilated disc brakes at both ends.
The second generation began in November 2009 and is also a Sedan with four versions: 2.5 AT, 3.5 AT with RWD, 3.5 AT with AWD, and 4.5 AT. Compared with the corresponding first-generation versions, output rose from 210 to 223 hp in the 2.5 AT and from 283 to 300 hp in both 3.5 AT variants. The 4.5 AT retained 333 hp and 451 Nm. Second-generation kerb weight increased by 60 kg for the 2.5 AT, 70 kg for the RWD 3.5 AT, and 40 kg for the AWD 3.5 AT; the 4.5 AT remained at 1,770 kg.
Nissan Fuga engine specs and version comparison
All listed engines use Gasoline, distributed injection (multi-point), and no boost. The 2.5 AT and 3.5 AT versions have 6 cylinders in a V-shaped layout with 4 valves per cylinder. The 4.5 AT has 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout with 4 valves per cylinder.
| Generation and version | Displacement | Power | Torque | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.5 AT | 2,495 cc | 210 hp at 6,000 rpm | 265 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | RWD |
| First generation 3.5 AT, RWD | 3,498 cc | 283 hp at 6,200 rpm | 352 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | RWD |
| First generation 3.5 AT, AWD | 3,498 cc | 283 hp at 6,200 rpm | 352 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | AWD |
| First generation 4.5 AT | 4,495 cc | 333 hp at 6,400 rpm | 451 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 98 | 8, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | RWD |
| Second generation 2.5 AT | 2,495 cc | 223 hp at 6,800 rpm | 263 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | RWD |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, RWD | 3,498 cc | 300 hp at 6,800 rpm | 358 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | RWD |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, AWD | 3,498 cc | 300 hp at 6,800 rpm | 358 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 98 | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | AWD |
| Second generation 4.5 AT | 4,495 cc | 333 hp at 6,400 rpm | 451 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 98 | 8, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 5 speeds | RWD |
Power per litre helps separate engine size from output. The first-generation 2.5 AT delivers about 84.2 hp per litre, while the second-generation 2.5 AT reaches about 89.4 hp per litre. The first-generation 3.5 AT produces about 80.9 hp per litre, rising to about 85.8 hp per litre in the second generation. The 4.5 AT produces about 74.1 hp per litre in both generations. On this measure, the second-generation 2.5 AT extracts the most power from each litre, while the 4.5 AT instead emphasizes maximum torque and total output.
The generation change added 13 hp to the 2.5 AT, although torque decreased by 2 Nm. It added 17 hp and 6 Nm to each 3.5 AT. The 4.5 AT shows no change in power or torque.
Nissan Fuga performance and economy
The first-generation 2.5 AT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches 234 km/h. The RWD 3.5 AT takes 6.3 seconds and reaches 255 km/h, so it is 2.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 21 km/h faster than the 2.5 AT.
The first-generation AWD 3.5 AT takes 6.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h and has the same 255 km/h top speed as the RWD 3.5 AT. With identical 283 hp and 352 Nm, the AWD version is 0.4 seconds slower and 70 kg heavier than the RWD version.
The first-generation 4.5 AT reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 274 km/h. Against the RWD 3.5 AT, it adds 50 hp and 99 Nm, reduces the acceleration time by 0.7 seconds, and adds 19 km/h to top speed. Against the 2.5 AT, it adds 123 hp and 186 Nm, reaches 100 km/h 2.9 seconds sooner, and adds 40 km/h to top speed.
For every second-generation version, 0–100 km/h acceleration and top speed are not measured. City, highway, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for any version in either generation. CO₂ output and eco class are also not measured, so an evidence-based mpg or emissions comparison cannot be made from these specifications.
Nissan Fuga weight, clearance, tank and wheel sizes
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.5 AT | 1,630 kg | not measured | 135 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
| First generation 3.5 AT, RWD | 1,650 kg | not measured | 135 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
| First generation 3.5 AT, AWD | 1,720 kg | not measured | 135 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
| First generation 4.5 AT | 1,770 kg | not measured | 135 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
| Second generation 2.5 AT | 1,690 kg | 1,965 kg | 130 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, RWD | 1,720 kg | 1,995 kg | 130 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
| Second generation 3.5 AT, AWD | 1,760 kg | 2,035 kg | 140 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
| Second generation 4.5 AT | 1,770 kg | not measured | 130 mm | 80 litres | not measured |
Weight per horsepower gives another useful purchasing comparison. The first-generation 2.5 AT carries about 7.76 kg per hp, versus about 7.58 kg per hp for the second-generation 2.5 AT. The first-generation RWD 3.5 AT is at about 5.83 kg per hp, improving to about 5.73 kg per hp in the second generation. The first-generation AWD 3.5 AT carries about 6.08 kg per hp, compared with about 5.87 kg per hp for the second-generation AWD version. The 4.5 AT is about 5.32 kg per hp in either generation, the best result among the listed versions.
AWD carries a weight penalty in both generations. The first-generation AWD 3.5 AT is 70 kg heavier than its RWD counterpart, while the second-generation AWD 3.5 AT is 40 kg heavier. The newer AWD version also has 140 mm of ground clearance, 10 mm more than the newer RWD 3.5 AT and 5 mm more than either first-generation 3.5 AT.
Which Nissan Fuga version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation 2.5 AT if minimum kerb weight and measured performance matter more than maximum output. At 1,630 kg it is the lightest listed Fuga, and its 210 hp, 265 Nm, 8.5-second acceleration time, and 234 km/h top speed are all measured. It is also the only listed version specified for fuel labelled 95; all others specify 98.
Choose the second-generation 2.5 AT if you want the smaller engine with more horsepower. It adds 13 hp over the earlier 2.5 AT and improves power per litre from about 84.2 to 89.4 hp, but it is 60 kg heavier, has 2 Nm less torque, and its performance figures are not measured.
Choose the first-generation RWD 3.5 AT for the strongest measured balance of performance and weight. It has 283 hp, 352 Nm, a 1,650 kg kerb weight, 6.3-second acceleration, and a 255 km/h top speed. Compared with the AWD 3.5 AT of the same generation, it keeps the same engine output and top speed while weighing 70 kg less and reaching 100 km/h 0.4 seconds sooner.
Choose a 3.5 AT with AWD when AWD is the deciding requirement. The second-generation AWD model adds 17 hp and 6 Nm over the first-generation AWD model while adding 40 kg. Its 140 mm clearance is the highest listed, but its acceleration and top speed are not measured.
Choose the 4.5 AT for the highest output and strongest measured performance. In either generation it provides 333 hp and 451 Nm from 4,495 cc. The first-generation 4.5 AT is the only version that combines those outputs with measured figures of 5.6 seconds to 100 km/h and 274 km/h. The second-generation 4.5 AT has the same 1,770 kg kerb weight, power, torque, transmission, and RWD configuration, but its acceleration and top speed are not measured.
There are no supplied prices, fuel-consumption figures, reliability records, or problem reports. Consequently, the available data can show what additional engine capacity, output, drivetrain, or weight brings, but it cannot establish purchase value, running cost, or long-term reliability.