2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 37 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 70 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Forte. 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte. 2012 Kia Forte 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. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Nitro | Forte |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 52 L |
