2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (360 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 873 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 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 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (515 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Nitro | Silverado |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 2733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 136 L |
