1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 2005 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Dodge Spirit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Dodge Spirit would be higher. At 3,704 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Nitro (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1988 Dodge Spirit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 611 kg more than 1988 Dodge Spirit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Dodge Spirit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Dodge Spirit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 2005 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Spirit | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 3704 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
