2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Dodge Caliber. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Dodge Caliber would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 891 kg more than 2008 Dodge Caliber. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 2009 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caliber | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
