1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 246 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
