2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 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 111 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 436 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| 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 | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
