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Dave-O
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
02:02:54
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 Subject: Dakota or Ram?
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I can't decide on a New Dakota or a New Ram. I want 4x2 pickup, regular cab, short bed, V8, that is comfortable for a 6ft 2, 205lbs male. I'd buy it for use as a daily driver as well as somethin to take to the track on the weekend.
I'm enlisting in the Army and am getting a nice sign on bonus, which will be a downpayment on the truck, which I will be financing.
I'm aware that the Dakota will be less expensive and get better gas mileage. I also realize that this is a Dakota forum so the reply may be kinda biased.
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Spiller
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
02:52:14
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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Actually Dave, if I had it to do all over again, I'd get a Ram. I'm 6'6", 280lbs and while I fit quite well in my Dakota, I fit even better in the Ram. A pal of mine has a Ram, regular cab 4x2 sb with a 4.7 and auto and I can put the seat all the way astern and stretch right out. I can do that in a regular cab Dakota.
And believe it or not his mileage isn't much worse than my 3.9 cc Dakota. He didn't pay much more for his truck than I did for mine, then again mines an SLT with all the neat toys and his his pretty bare of stuff to play with.
Something to think about.
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olsarge
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
04:11:34
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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I picked the Dakota for fitting through some of the narrow places I like to 4X4 as well as fit into the tiny parking places that abound here. I am 6' 2 1/2" 200 lbs. Plenty of room.
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Chiz
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
10:10:57
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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I'm 6'0", 170 and room isn't really an issue. What is an issue is the view from the driver's seat. The roof/ceiling hangs down into my view worse than any other car that I have driven.
Although that sounds really bad, it's not too bothersome, just something I had to get used to. I have to hunch over to see the signal light when I'm first in line because I can't see up from a normal seating position.
I have a couple of buddys who are 6'3" and they both look like they are a bit small for the truck when they ride in it, although they say it's comfortable and roomy "enough". A regular cab I think would only compound any cramped feelings you might have.
I guess the best thing you can do would be to take a test drive though, but you probably already knew that.
Hope all goes well in the Army. It takes guts to sign on right now, but many people, including myself, admire guys like you for doing it.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
10:24:21
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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When it comes to things like price, maintenance, insurance, and oiperating costs, you won't find much differance between the two trucks. Not enough to really matter anyway. So, first, try them both on and see which one fits best. Then take a look at what you're going to do with it and where you're going to drive it. Daily drivers, city driving, and tight off road fire roads will be better with a smaller truck. Open roads, heavy/large loads, and trailers will be better with a larger truck. Plus, you can get a hemi in the ram.
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jdb
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
10:42:46
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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I have a 97 regular cab Dakota and a 99 RC ram. I'm 5-11 and I feel I couldn't fit well in the Dakota if I was much bigger. The Ram feels huge inside and rides a little smoother. I think I like the sporty feel and performance of the Dakota better, But I need the bigger 8' bed of the Ram to haul my tools for work.
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deerridge
GenIII
2/16/2004
14:36:05
|  RE: Dakota or Ram?
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I chose the Dakota over the Ram for the handleing which is better than any truck I've ever driven and the smaller more manuverable size. Its the only truck I've ever driven that feels more like a sports car than a truck. I use mine for farm work and towing a three horse trailer.
Real Horsepower
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
16:12:44
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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I will second Chiz's note above. The "overhang" is noticable and annoying. I also had the same problem in my previous ride though, so I have gotten somewhat used to it.
Note that I would not trade it for a Ram though. I bought the Dakota due to it's size. I've had full size trucks and small trucks and SUVs. The mid-size is perfect for my needs.
It is your decision though, do want/need the room or not?
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CASDAK
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
18:41:55
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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I'm 6'5" and 270, and I had a '98 Dakota CC, but now I have a 2002 RC, SWB, Ram with the 4.7 in it. I must say that the Ram is soooo comfortable (even for a regular cab), and I don't even have to put the seat all the way back. However the CC Dakota wasn't no slouch either, having the extended cab was a plus, as far as comfort is concerned.
Overall, I have to give the nod to my Ram...I absolutely love this truck, and don't worry about milage, for all I've done is the K&N drop-in filter, and a Gibson cat-back, and I can average 17-18 mpg with a peak at 22mpg on long trips, and that's with 3.90s and the big heavy ass 20's.
...but it's your money dude, get what you want.
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cilrah
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2004
23:03:39
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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Wow, hard to answer that question. I've owned both. I'm 6'2", 205 lbs. I had a 97 Ram 1500 4x4 and currently own a 02 Dakota quadcab 4x4. I loved the Ram and actually think I like my Dakota better. Of course the Ram has more room(its a full sized truck) but I have no problem at all fitting in my Dakota. You will probably save a lot of $$$ going with the Dakota and the Dakota will be alittle better on gas. The only thing I'm sure of is that if you want the Dakota you had better buy it quick. Have you seen the 2005 Dakota's, they are freakin scary looking, by far the uglest Dodge I ever seen. Good luck with whichever you do decide on.
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Dave-O
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2004
11:38:09
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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Message:
Thanx for the help guys. Yeah those 2005 Daks look freaky, I'll probably learn to love them. I like the 6 speed manual gearbox, available for the 3.7 and the 4.7 regular, it's too bad the ho motor doesn't come in stick but I know I'd be goin through so many clutches if I had the h.o. with a stick so Dodge decided to just go with automatic. The only other gripe I have about the 2005's is no regular cab.
I think I'm goin to go with a Dakota club cab, however I still want to test drive both the ram and the dakota. I really don't need a lotta room and the 4.7 paired with the 5 speed will give me what I need when I take it to the track on the weekend.
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