2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 929. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Mazda 929. 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Nitro | 929 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.8 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
