2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 276 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Nitro | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 73 L |
