2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 2008 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber 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 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 18 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (285 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Dodge Caliber. 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber. 2008 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Caliber 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:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 2008 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Caliber | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 446 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 83 L |
