2005 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2011 Dodge Dakota is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2005 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Explorer weights approximately 248 kg more than 2011 Dodge Dakota.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Dakota. 2011 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Explorer | 2011 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Explorer | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4016 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.5 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 83 L |
