2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2013 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2013 Ford Explorer is newer by 4 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 3,698 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Explorer (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Explorer weights approximately 707 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 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, 2013 Ford Explorer, 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, 2013 Ford Explorer (346 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2013 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3698 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8: 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2291 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
