2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2005 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (197 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 431 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic, 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (192 Nm @ 5900 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 2005 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Dodge | Honda |
| Model | Nitro | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 50 L |
