2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2005 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Suzuki Samurai 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 240 more horse power than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 566 kg more than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. 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 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2005 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 2005 Suzuki Samurai 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 | 2005 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Dodge | Suzuki |
| Model | Dakota | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
