2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (345 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 169 kg more than 2012 Dodge Ram.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2012 Dodge Ram (510 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 2012 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Nitro | Ram |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 5654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 6350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 2000 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 4080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 132 L |
