2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 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 13 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| 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 | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
