1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 3 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 378 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. 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, 1995 Dodge Dakota (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1995 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Contour |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2710 mm |
