2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2006 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 179 kg more than 2003 Dodge Dakota. 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 2006 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2730 mm |
