2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Ford Escape
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Escape. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Escape 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 2008 Ford Escape. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Escape.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Escape. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Escape. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Escape. 2009 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Escape has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Escape will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Dakota will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Escape |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 114 L |
