2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 105 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 301 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
