2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 210 kg more than 2004 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Park Avenue. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1997 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota. 1997 Buick Park Avenue has automatic transmission and 2004 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2004 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | Dodge | Buick |
| Model | Dakota | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2780 mm |
