2010 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2010 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Explorer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 888 kg more than 2010 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Ford Explorer. 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 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Ford Explorer. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Ford Explorer | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Explorer | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 4.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
