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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 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. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 727 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
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 | 3701 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3569 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 98 L |
