1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram is newer by 17 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, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1995 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 798 kg more than 1995 Dodge Dakota. 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 2012 Dodge Ram. 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, 2012 Dodge Ram (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Ram |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 2418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3569 mm |
