2003 Acura CL vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 280 kg more than 2003 Acura CL.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura CL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Acura | Dodge |
| Model | CL | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
