2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 2002 Ford Escape
To start off, 2005 Dodge Nitro is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Escape. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Escape 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 80 more horse power than 2002 Ford Escape. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 395 kg more than 2002 Ford Escape. 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Escape. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Escape. 2005 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Escape has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Escape will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 2002 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Escape |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
