1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 367 kg more than 1978 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Dodge Nitro (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Aspen | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2764 mm |
