2001 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 7 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 366 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2510 mm |
