1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 292 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Forte. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Dakota | Forte |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| 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 | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2649 mm |
