1995 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 366 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen T5. 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 Volkswagen T5. 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 T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Dodge Dakota. (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Dodge Dakota. 1995 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | T5 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3010 mm |
