2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 140 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Dakota | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 18.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
