1981 Buick Estate vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 520 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Estate | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 3698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
