2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2011 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 2 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 2,778 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 135 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 four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Buick LaCrosse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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 (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2011 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Dodge | Buick |
| Model | Nitro | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1826 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1857 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
