2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 113 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro. 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Nitro | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 72 L |
