2012 Dodge Ram vs. 2004 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Dodge Dakota. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Dodge Dakota would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (209 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 390 kg more than 2004 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2012 Dodge Ram (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Dodge Ram | 2004 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Ram | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5700 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 551 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2346 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5817 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2017 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1877 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3569 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 83 L |
