2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS 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, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 360 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Dodge | Lexus |
| Model | Nitro | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| 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 | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 65 L |
