2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 1990 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Dodge Dakota is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1990 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 132 kg more than 1990 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 1990 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2700 mm |
