2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 1204 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Dodge Dakota has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
