2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2004 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 106 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Ford Taurus. 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2004 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 211 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 68 L |
