2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 211 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2002 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2580 mm |
