1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, both 1998 Dodge Dakota and 1998 Ford Contour were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 288 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1998 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Contour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2710 mm |
