2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 9 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 148 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
Make | Dodge | Toyota |
Model | Dakota | Tacoma |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2694 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 196 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1684 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3250 mm |