1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 6 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 37 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 645 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster. 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 2002 Smart Roadster. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 2002 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Dodge | Smart |
| Model | Dakota | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2370 mm |
