2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 7 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 147 kg more than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
Because 2005 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Nitro | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2751 mm |
