2007 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Dodge Dakota 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 77 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 175 kg more than 2007 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2007 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner 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. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 57 L |
