2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 149 kg more than 2009 Dodge Dakota. 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Dakota | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
