2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,771 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 510 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
