1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1995 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 438 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen W12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | W12 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2540 mm |
