2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2009 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2009 Dodge Ram 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2009 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Dodge Dakota. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram 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, 2009 Dodge Ram (552 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota. 2009 Dodge Ram has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2009 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Ram |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 552 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 3560 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 98 L |
