2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2002 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Highlander 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 153 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 61 kg more than 2002 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2002 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Dakota | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 73 L |
