2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Acura RL
To start off, 2012 Acura RL is newer by 3 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, 2012 Acura RL (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 108 kg more than 2012 Acura RL.
Because 2012 Acura RL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Dodge Nitro. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura RL 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, 2012 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Acura RL | |
| Make | Dodge | Acura |
| Model | Nitro | RL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4971 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2799 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 73 L |
