2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2011 Dodge Dakota is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Explorer would be higher. 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 82 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 988 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 2011 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 2011 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2011 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Explorer | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 83 L |
