2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Mazda 2
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (303 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 661 kg more than 2012 Mazda 2. 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 2012 Mazda 2. 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 327 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 2 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 | 2012 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dakota | 2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 43 L |
