1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 14 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 165 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Because 1998 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Dakota | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2685 mm |
