2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 113 kg more than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Dodge | Suzuki |
| Model | Nitro | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2774 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 280 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 66 L |
