2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 117 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 85 L |
