2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Mariner 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 14 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (197 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 121 kg more than 2004 Mercury Mariner. 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 Mercury Mariner. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 72 L |
