2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 393 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. 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 Volkswagen Routan. 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Routan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Routan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 78 L |
