2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 95 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
