2008 Chrysler Town & Country vs. 1996 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chrysler Town & Country (176 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 285 kg more than 1996 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Chrysler Town & Country. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2008 Chrysler Town & Country (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Chrysler Town & Country will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Dakota. 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chrysler Town & Country will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler Town & Country | 1996 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chrysler | Dodge |
| Model | Town & Country | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2850 mm |
