2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2011 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2011 Kia Carnival 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2011 Kia Carnival. (186 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Carnival weights approximately 64 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
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, 2011 Kia Carnival, 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 (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Carnival. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2011 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Nitro | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 2024 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 80 L |
