2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2003 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Econovan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Econovan 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 (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2003 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 396 kg more than 2003 Ford Econovan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Econovan. (139 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Econovan. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Econovan has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Econovan 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 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Econovan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2210 mm |
