2006 Dodge Dakota vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Dodge Dakota is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2006 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2006 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2006 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan 350Z. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Dakota | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Dakota | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 76 L |
