2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 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 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 249 kg more than 2012 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 four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
