2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape 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 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 40 more horse power than 2012 Ford Escape. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 225 kg more than 2012 Ford Escape. 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 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Escape. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Escape. 2009 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Escape has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Escape |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1466 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 66 L |
