2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1997 Dodge Sidewinder
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Sidewinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Sidewinder would be higher. At 8,000 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Sidewinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder (641 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 431 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 634 kg more than 1997 Dodge Sidewinder.
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, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder (719 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Sidewinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1997 Dodge Sidewinder | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Nitro | Sidewinder |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 8000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 641 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1057 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
