2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1981 Chevrolet Camaro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Camaro would be higher. At 4,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Camaro. (123 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Camaro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 246 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Camaro. 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 (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Camaro. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Camaro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1981 Chevrolet Camaro | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Nitro | Camaro |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
