2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 52 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, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (335 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 | 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Dodge | Hyundai |
| Model | Nitro | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 75 L |
