1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1995 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2651 mm |
