2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2008 Ford Taurus X
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 Taurus X. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Taurus X would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (264 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 783 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Taurus X. 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 (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus X. 2008 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2008 Ford Taurus X | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Taurus X |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
