2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 4 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. (186 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 315 kg more 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Dakota | Colorado |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 72 L |
