1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1997 Dodge Dakota is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 655 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 1990 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2480 mm |
