2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2009 Dodge Nitro and 2009 Mazda 3 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 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 536 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mazda 3, 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 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Nitro | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1347 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
