2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Ford Mustang
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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (385 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Mustang 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 | 2002 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 68 L |
