1999 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1999 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1999 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 420 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 1999 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Dodge Dakota. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1999 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1999 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2456 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2870 mm |
