2008 Dodge Ram vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Ram. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Ram. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 188 kg more than 2008 Dodge Ram. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Ram. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Ram.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Ram | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Ram | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
