2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 886 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. 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 1998 Ford Focus. 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 (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Focus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
