2006 Dodge Dakota vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2006 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 784 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2006 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Explorer. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Dakota. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2006 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2006 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Dakota | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.7 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 85 L |
