2006 Ford Ranger vs. 2004 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 2 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 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Dakota (209 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (206 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger.
Because 2006 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Dodge Dakota. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (324 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota. 2004 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 2004 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Ranger | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | 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 | 206 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 84 L | 83 L |
