2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2012 Ford Transit Connect 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 2,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. (136 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 147 kg more than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. 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 Ford Transit Connect. 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 (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. 2012 Ford Transit Connect 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 Ford Transit Connect will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2774 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4587 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 280 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 58 L |
