2007 Dodge Nitro vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Dodge Nitro would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2007 Dodge Nitro is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (360 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2007 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2007 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Nitro | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3952 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
