2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 1717 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2410 mm |
