2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (108 HP @ 2750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 148 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 64 L |
