2009 Acura TL vs. 2008 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2009 Acura TL 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura TL (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura TL weights approximately 107 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Dodge Dakota. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Acura TL (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura TL | 2008 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Acura | Dodge |
| Model | TL | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1852 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
