1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 (127 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1998 Dodge Dakota. 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 2012 Mazda 6. 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 Mazda 6 (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dakota | 6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2789 mm |
