2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2010 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2010 Dodge Dakota is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2010 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2010 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 480 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Because 2010 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Dodge Dakota. 2010 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2010 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Mustang | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 83 L |
