2006 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2006 Dodge Dakota is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 210 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 211 kg more than 2006 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (330 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Dakota | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3703 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 59 L |
