2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2009 Kia Optima
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 35 more horse power than 2009 Kia Optima. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Optima.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Optima. 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2009 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Nitro | Optima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 62 L |
