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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (200 HP @ 5100 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. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 184 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 Volkswagen Tiguan. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Volkswagen Tiguan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 3699 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1544 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 Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 64 L |
