2002 Acura CL vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,698 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (207 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 220 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Acura CL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura CL | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Acura | Dodge |
| Model | CL | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 74 L |
