2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 77 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Dakota | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 66 L |
