2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Ford Mustang
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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 210 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 245 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Mustang. 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, 2008 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota. 2009 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1390 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 | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 61 L |
