1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 GMC Terrain
To start off, 2012 GMC Terrain is newer by 16 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, 2012 GMC Terrain (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Terrain should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Terrain weights approximately 224 kg more than 1996 Dodge Dakota. 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 2012 GMC Terrain. 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, 2012 GMC Terrain (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Terrain will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota. 2012 GMC Terrain 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. 2012 GMC Terrain will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 2012 GMC Terrain | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Dakota | Terrain |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1754 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4707 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2858 mm |
