2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,778 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 616 kg more than 2006 Honda Element. 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 Honda Element. 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 (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | Dodge | Honda |
| Model | Nitro | Element |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 60 L |
