2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2011 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2011 Dodge Ram is newer by 3 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Ram (212 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Ram. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Ram.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2011 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Ram |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 98 L |
