2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2004 Saturn L
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn L would be higher. At 3,698 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2004 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 40 kg more than 2004 Saturn L. 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, 2004 Saturn L, 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 (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | Dodge | Saturn |
| Model | Nitro | L |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3698 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 199 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 | 1360 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 62 L |
