2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 247 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. 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 (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. 2012 Chevrolet Impala 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. 2012 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Nitro | Impala |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2807 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
