2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Taurus 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 (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Dodge Dakota. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (236 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 68 L |
