2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Nitro would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse (265 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 12 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 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, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse (355 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Nitro | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1703 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2576 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 67 L |
