2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2003 GMC Safari
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,292 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2003 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 GMC Safari weights approximately 264 kg more than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 GMC Safari. 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, 2003 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2003 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Dakota | Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 98 L |
