2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2009 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute is newer by 6 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda Tribute (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 117 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota. 2009 Mazda Tribute 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. 2009 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 2009 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dakota | Tribute |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2620 mm |
