2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1998 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 5,208 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Ram (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 409 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1998 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Dakota | Ram |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2790 mm |
