2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma would be higher. At 2,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. (115 HP @ 5190 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 441 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. 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 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. 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 (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma | |
| Make | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Nitro | Carisma |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2774 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5190 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1410 mm |
