1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1999 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 1999 Dodge Dakota is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Dodge Spirit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Dodge Spirit would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Spirit (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1999 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 176 kg more than 1988 Dodge Spirit.
Because 1999 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Dodge Spirit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Dodge Dakota 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1999 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Spirit | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2850 mm |
