2002 Proton Saloon 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 Proton Saloon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Proton Saloon would be higher. At 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2002 Proton Saloon. (82 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2002 Proton Saloon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 940 kg more than 2002 Proton Saloon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Proton Saloon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Proton Saloon. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Proton Saloon. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2002 Proton Saloon has manual transmission. 2002 Proton Saloon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Proton Saloon | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Proton | Dodge |
| Model | Saloon | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2770 mm |
