2005 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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, 2005 Dodge Nitro (208 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 472 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 2005 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | GTI |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3704 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
