1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 2 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 360 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Opel Astra. 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, 1996 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Dakota | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2650 mm |
