2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2002 Dodge Dakota and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 266 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 2002 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
