2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (236 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Dakota | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
