2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 228 kg more than 2002 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Dakota | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2640 mm |
