2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2000 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Dodge Dakota is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 56 kg more than 2000 Ford Mustang.
Because 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Ford Mustang. 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, 2000 Ford Mustang (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 2000 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 4603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2580 mm |
