2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 2 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 37 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 638 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 100 L |
