2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2004 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2004 Ford Fiesta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (79 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 431 kg more than 2004 Ford Fiesta. 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 2004 Ford Fiesta. 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 2004 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2450 mm |
