2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, both 2009 Dodge Dakota and 2009 Ford Explorer were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 719 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 85 L |
