2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Forester weights approximately 72 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.
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, 2008 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Dodge | Subaru |
| Model | Dakota | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2530 mm |
