1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 15 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, 2011 Kia Soul (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 251 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Kia Soul. 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Dakota | Soul |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2550 mm |
