2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 5 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, 2008 Ford Focus (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 256 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Focus. 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, 2008 Ford Focus (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota. 2008 Ford Focus 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. 2008 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Focus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2620 mm |
