2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 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, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 368 kg more than 2005 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2881 mm |
