2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 681 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Dodge Dakota. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara 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 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Dodge | Suzuki |
| Model | Dakota | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2210 mm |
