1998 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 448 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Dakota | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3200 mm |
