2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (207 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 154 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
Model | Nitro | Passat |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 207 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 319 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1537 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |