2000 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 12 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2000 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2000 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 150 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2000 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Dodge Dakota. (197 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2537 mm |
