2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 72 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 169 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
