2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 595 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Nitro | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1096 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 40 L |
