2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 1 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 29 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Dodge |
| Model | 159 | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 74 L |
