2009 Saturn Aura 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 Saturn Aura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Saturn Aura would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2009 Saturn Aura. (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2009 Saturn Aura. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 474 kg more than 2009 Saturn Aura. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura, 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, 2011 Dodge Nitro (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Aura. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Aura.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Saturn Aura | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Saturn | Dodge |
| Model | Aura | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2382 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1803 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2764 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 74 L |
