2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 4 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 57 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Dodge | Cadillac |
| Model | Nitro | CTS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 68 L |
