2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Toyota Venza
To start off, 2012 Toyota Venza 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Venza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Venza (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Venza should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Venza. 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 Venza (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Venza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota. 2012 Toyota Venza 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. 2012 Toyota Venza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Toyota Venza | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Dakota | Venza |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2780 mm |
