2011 Dodge Nitro vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Dodge Nitro 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 13 more horse power than 2012 Opel Astra. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2012 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 417 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra. 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, 2012 Opel Astra, 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra. 2011 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 2012 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2012 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Dodge Nitro | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Nitro | Astra |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4544 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1791 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2764 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 52 L |
