2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2000 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Taurus (201 HP) has 83 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 24 kg more than 2000 Ford Taurus.
Because 2004 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Ford Taurus. 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, 2000 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota. 2000 Ford Taurus 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. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2000 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 201 HP |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2760 mm |
