1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Dakota is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 510 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1995 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Dakota | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2260 mm |
