2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, both 2008 Ford Explorer and 2008 Dodge Nitro were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 217 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. 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 (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Explorer | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
