Dodge Dakota III 4.7 V8 (238 Hp)
Overall Rating
Dodge Dakota:
The Dodge Dakota, marketed as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured by Chrysler and marketed by its Dodge Truck division and later its Ram Truck division — across three generations.
It used body-on-frame construction and a leaf spring/live axle rear end and was the first mid-size pickup with an optional V8 engine. For its entire production, the Dakota was manufactured at Chrysler's Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Dodge Dakota (III). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 3200 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A vehicle with an open cargo bed at the back, suitable for transporting goods. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Dodge Dakota III was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety ratings from NHTSA or IIHS would be more relevant for this model, which generally performed adequately for its time.
4.7 V8 (238 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides robust V8 power, delivering strong acceleration and excellent capability for hauling and towing, potentially with a manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
With 11.5 l/100 km (approx. 20.5 MPG US), this variant offers surprisingly good fuel economy for a V8, likely due to a manual transmission or 2WD setup.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Strong V8 engine options offering excellent power
- • Good towing and hauling capabilities for a mid-size truck
- • Available 4x4 for off-road and adverse conditions
- • Spacious interior for its class, especially in Quad Cab
- • Robust and durable chassis design
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be poor, particularly with V8 and 4x4 configurations
- • Interior quality is utilitarian and lacks modern amenities
- • Ride can be truck-like and firm, especially when unloaded
- • Limited advanced safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Aging design and technology by the end of its production run
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1999 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Dakota |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.7 V8 (238 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Pick-up |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 238 Hp @ 4800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 50.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 400 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4698 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.7 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.4 kg/Hp, 74.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8 kg/Nm, 125 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 3200 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 83 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5558 mm mm [95mm more] |
| Width: | 1887 mm mm [69mm more] |
| Height: | 1745 mm mm [46mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3335 mm mm [108mm more] |
| Front track: | 1595 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1598 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/65 R17; 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17; 8J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Dependent suspension of two longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs |














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