2010 Dodge Nitro vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Dodge Nitro would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2010 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2010 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 18 kg more than 2010 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus, 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 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Dodge Nitro. (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Dodge Nitro | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4544 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1775 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2764 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 72 L |
