This may be a dead forum, but I thought I should add my thoughts. I have owned both a regular Dakota and currently own a Turbo Dakota, both are 79 models.
The regular Dakota was extremely easy to fly. The Turbo Dakota requires a bit more finesse. We fly into Buena Vista, Colorado on a regular basis. The regular Dakota was a great airplane, but was rather lethargic during the Summer in Colorado. The Turbo Dakota has great performance at higher altitudes. However, you must watch your leaning techniques. I just set the engine to the recommended fuel flows and that seems to work great. I believe that cruise is 75% power at 11.8 gallons per hour. That usually gives us approximately 135 knot cruise. If we go higher, the speed picks up.
During the Summer, we could not take off at gross weight during the heat of the day in Colorado - safely. With the Turbo Dakota we can take off and enjoy the air conditioning - after takeoff of course.
Both are great airplanes. The Turbo does great in the mountains. If you do not fly into the mountains, I would just have the non-turbo model. Much cheaper to operate. Both airplanes have extremely reliable.
Tom Milam
milam@inglesrud.com