2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2006 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Caliber. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Caliber would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2006 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2006 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 1112 kg more than 2006 Dodge Caliber. 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 2006 Dodge Caliber. 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 (360 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Caliber. (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Caliber. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2006 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2006 Dodge Caliber 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 | 2006 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Nitro | Caliber |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3952 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 51 L |
