2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2006 Ford Freestar
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Freestar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Freestar would be higher. At 3,898 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Ford Freestar. (193 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Freestar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestar weights approximately 24 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
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, 2006 Ford Freestar, 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, 2006 Ford Freestar (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2006 Ford Freestar | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Freestar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 59 L |
