2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2003 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 180 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2003 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Dodge | Suzuki |
| Model | Nitro | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
