2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (302 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 193 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 85 L |
