2008 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 753 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Focus | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
