2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Dodge Nitro 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 58 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 634 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2005 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2510 mm |
