2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Mazda 2
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 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 107 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (95 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 860 kg more than 2012 Mazda 2. 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 Mazda 2, 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (205 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 2 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 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Nitro | 2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 43 L |
