2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2011 Chevrolet Impala

To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 3 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Impala (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 78 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Impala.

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, 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. (293 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. 2011 Chevrolet Impala 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. 2011 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Dodge Nitro 2011 Chevrolet Impala
Make Dodge Chevrolet
Model Nitro Impala
Year Released 2008 2011
Body Type SUV Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3701 cc 3500 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 210 HP 211 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 319 Nm 293 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Flex Fuel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1691 kg 1613 kg
Vehicle Length 4550 mm 5090 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1852 mm
Vehicle Height 1780 mm 1491 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2807 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 74 L 64 L