1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 212 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1998 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2720 mm |
