2003 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 255 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Mazda | Dodge |
| Model | 6 | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 189 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
