What was the fastest Dodge Dakota?
The fastest Dodge Dakota is the Dakota R/T, a high-performance variant powered by a 5.9-liter Magnum V8 that produced about 245 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque.
Fastest Dakota model and its performance
The Dakota R/T was Dodge’s answer to demands for a sportier mid-size pickup. Sold from the late 1990s into the early 2000s, it packed a big V8 into a compact truck and added suspension tuning and distinctive styling to back up the power.
Key specifications and performance figures for the R/T are summarized below.
- Model: Dodge Dakota R/T
- Years of production: 1997–2003
- Engine: 5.9 L Magnum V8 (360 cubic inches)
- Horsepower: approximately 245 hp
- Torque: approximately 335 lb-ft
- Transmission: available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Notable performance features: sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and unique exterior styling
With the 5.9L V8, the Dakota R/T stood out in the Dakota lineup for straight-line speed, while retaining practicality for daily use and hauling duties.
Engine details and powertrain
To understand why the R/T was the pinnacle of speed, it helps to know its core components. The 5.9 L Magnum V8 delivered robust torque in a compact frame, and buyers could choose between a manual or automatic transmission. This combination gave the R/T a distinctly quicker feel than its V6 or smaller V8 siblings.
These specifications placed the R/T at the top of the Dakota power hierarchy, making it the quickest production Dakota ever built.
Context and comparison with other Dakotas
In the broader Dakota lineup, other engines offered substantially less torque and horsepower. Base and mid-range trims typically used smaller V6 engines or less aggressive V8 options, which translated to slower acceleration and lower top speeds. The R/T remains the benchmark for speed within the Dakota family.
- Other available engines included a 3.9 L Magnum V6 in earlier trims
- The 4.7 L Magnum V8 was offered in some later Dakotas, but it did not match the R/T’s performance
In practical terms, the R/T’s combination of displacement, tuning, and chassis upgrades made it the only Dakota that truly rivaled the performance of larger pickups of its era.
Performance figures and measurement caveats
Performance figures for the Dakota R/T varied by model year, drivetrain, and condition. Factory and independent tests typically place 0–60 mph in roughly the mid-to-high six seconds to around seven seconds, with top speeds generally around 120–125 mph in favorable conditions.
- 0–60 mph: typically mid-to-high 6 seconds to about 7 seconds
- Top speed: approximately 120–125 mph
These figures illustrate why the Dakota R/T is remembered as the fastest factory Dodge Dakota, even as other variants fulfilled everyday roles for work and recreation.
Summary
In summary, the Dodge Dakota R/T, armed with a 5.9-liter Magnum V8, is the fastest production Dakota ever built. Its performance-focused tuning, powerful V8, and available manual or automatic transmission set it apart from other Dakota trims, cementing its place in the model’s history as the speed benchmark of the lineup.
How much horsepower does a 2000 Dodge Dakota 4.7 L V8 have?
235 horsepower
Like its pickup truck cousin, it too garners the 4.7-liter V8, but only on the 4X4. Output is the same 235 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
What is the fastest Dodge Dakota?
Banks Sidewinder® Dakota
The Banks Sidewinder® Dakota is the official F.I.A. World's Fastest Diesel Truck @ 217 mph (two-way average) and a best one-way of 222 mph.
What is the top speed of the banks Sidewinder?
222.139 mph
Surpassing Gale Banks' personal goal of 210 mph, the Banks Sidewinder smashed the world 159.647-mph record with an average speed of 217.314 mph, making Sidewinder the World's Fastest Diesel Pickup! Amazing Overall Top Speed: 222.139 mph!
How much horsepower does a 5.9 RT Dakota have?
The Dodge Dakota R/T with the 5.9L V8 engine produces 250 horsepower at 4,400 RPM and 345 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM. This engine was available in 1998–2003 models and was also used in other high-performance Dodge vehicles.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Dodge Dakota R/T's engine: 58sTFLclassicsYouTube · Mar 4, 2024
- Horsepower: 250 hp at 4,400 rpm
- Torque: 345 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm
- Engine: 5.9L (360 cubic inch) V8 Magnum
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic (46RE)
- Drivetrain: Available in 2WD only
