2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 395 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Dodge Dakota. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
