1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 56 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 CX-7. 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 CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota. 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dakota | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2751 mm |
