1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 17 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (511 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 393 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 340 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 504 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Dakota | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 511 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1406 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2874 mm |
