2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 297 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. 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 (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. 2013 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Nitro | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 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 | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
