2000 Dodge Dakota vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2000 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 220 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3.
Because 2000 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Dodge Dakota (197 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Dakota | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dakota | 3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2730 mm |
