2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 GMC Terrain
To start off, 2012 GMC Terrain 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 GMC Terrain. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 GMC Terrain. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 206 kg more than 2012 GMC Terrain. 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 GMC Terrain, 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 GMC Terrain. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 GMC Terrain.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 GMC Terrain | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Nitro | Terrain |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1754 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4707 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2858 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 68 L |
