2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 143 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 62 L |
