2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 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 39 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 606 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Dodge Dakota. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2004 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
