2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 642 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Dodge Dakota is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Dodge Dakota. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
