2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (280 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 973 kg more than 2009 Dodge Dakota. 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 2012 Chevrolet Express. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Express (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Dodge | Chevrolet |
| Model | Dakota | Express |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 13.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 117 L |
