2007 Dodge Nitro vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2007 Dodge Nitro is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2007 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2007 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 120 kg more than 2007 Dodge Nitro. 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, 2007 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Explorer. (330 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2007 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Explorer. 2002 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2007 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2007 Dodge Nitro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Nitro | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
