1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1997 Dodge Dakota and 1997 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 291 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dakota | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1239 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
