2001 Dodge Dakota vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 495 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Dakota | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Polo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
