2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, both 2009 Dodge Nitro and 2009 Ford Taurus were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 725 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
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, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 76 L |
