2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2012 Kia Carnival 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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Kia Carnival. (142 HP @ 8800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Carnival weights approximately 860 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Carnival. 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Carnival. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Nitro | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 2902 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 75 L |
