2007 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2007 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2007 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 333 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2007 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
