2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 860 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Dodge Nitro (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Explorer | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2764 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 74 L |
