2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 7 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, 2009 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 270 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 2002 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Focus. 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 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 2009 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 2002 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2002 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Focus |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2620 mm |
