2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 461 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota. 2006 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | Dodge | Honda |
| Model | Dakota | Element |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2580 mm |
