2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2010 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Maxima 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 343 kg more than 2010 Nissan Maxima.
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 Nissan Maxima, 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 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2010 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Nitro | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 76 L |
