2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 13 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 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. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Nitro | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 60 L |
