2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max is newer by 4 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford S-Max (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 213 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 2008 Ford S-Max. 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | S-Max |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2860 mm |
