2007 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Dodge Dakota is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 496 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2007 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2007 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2007 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
