2001 Dodge Dakota vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (176 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2001 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 2001 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 280 kg more than 2001 Dodge Dakota. 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 2004 Renault Vel Satis. 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Dodge Dakota. 2004 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 2001 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2001 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Dakota | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Dodge | Renault |
| Model | Dakota | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2690 mm |
