1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Venturi 400
To start off, 1997 Venturi 400 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Venturi 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Venturi 400 (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Venturi 400 should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 378 kg more than 1997 Venturi 400.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Venturi 400. 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, 1997 Venturi 400 (520 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Venturi 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Venturi 400 | |
| Make | Dodge | Venturi |
| Model | Dakota | 400 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2500 mm |
