2002 Dodge Intrepid vs. 2008 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Intrepid. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Intrepid would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Intrepid. (197 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Intrepid. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 187 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Dodge Dakota. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Intrepid, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Intrepid. (257 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Intrepid. 2002 Dodge Intrepid has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Dodge Intrepid will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Intrepid | 2008 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Intrepid | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2736 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 3340 mm |
