2002 GMC Safari vs. 2004 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2002 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2002 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 1 kg more than 2002 GMC Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2002 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 GMC Safari | 2004 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | GMC | Dodge |
| Model | Safari | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Van | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 83 L |
