2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2009 Dodge Challenger
To start off, 2009 Dodge Challenger is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 6,059 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Challenger (419 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 54 kg more than 2009 Dodge Challenger.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2009 Dodge Challenger (420 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Challenger has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Challenger 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 | 2009 Dodge Challenger | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Challenger |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 6059 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 419 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 72 L |
