1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 4 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 237 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (305 Nm) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
