I've never driven a standard cab Dakota, so, I can't offer an A - B comparison, BUT, I find my extended cab comfortable for my 5'-10" frame.

I find it more comfortable than the '02 1500 (full size) I had for a few yrs. Seriously.

However, the thing that makes it comfortable for me, might make it uncomfortable for someone with a large gut, the steering wheel is pretty close even with the seat back.

Too many cars/trucks I've driven seemed like they were set up to be driven with your arms straight out. If my arms were comfortable, my legs were scrunched up. With my Dak, I can have my legs out, and the steering wheel at a comfortable reach. In this position too, the armrests fall at a usable location. On my Wife's Kia for example, I end up about 6" behind the (door) armrest, and the armrest on the console is too low.