1998 Ford Focus vs. 1995 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 3,906 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (174 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 316 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Focus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Dodge Dakota (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 1995 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1995 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Focus | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 3906 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 132 L |
