2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 7 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 67 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 677 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul. 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, 2011 Kia Soul, 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 @ 3600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul. 2011 Kia Soul 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. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Dodge | Kia |
| Model | Dakota | Soul |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 48 L |
