2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2000 Mercury Villager
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Villager. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Villager would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Villager. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Villager. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Villager weights approximately 94 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 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 2008 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Mercury Villager, 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Villager. (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Villager. 2000 Mercury Villager has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Nitro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercury Villager will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2000 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Nitro | Villager |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3276 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
