2008 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Equinox would be higher. At 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 880 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. (285 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Equinox.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Equinox | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Equinox | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3425 cc | 3699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 74 L |
