1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (174 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1995 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 486 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Dodge Dakota. 2012 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 1995 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1995 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Dakota | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3906 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 79 L |
