2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1998 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 624 kg more than 1998 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Dakota. 2003 Chevrolet SSR has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 1998 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | SSR | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2850 mm |
