2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2003 Fiat Palio
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Palio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Palio would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Palio. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Palio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 1055 kg more than 2003 Fiat Palio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Fiat Palio, 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Palio. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Palio. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Palio has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Palio 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 | 2003 Fiat Palio | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Nitro | Palio |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2380 mm |
