1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 7 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 66 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (371 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Dakota | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2660 mm |
