2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 556 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3. 2002 BMW Z3 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. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Dodge | BMW |
| Model | Dakota | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 51 L |
