2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (302 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 168 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan 370Z. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan 370Z. (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Dakota | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 446 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 72 L |
