1972 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1995 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 1995 Dodge Dakota is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 525 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1995 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. 1972 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1995 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1995 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Vega | 1995 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Vega | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2850 mm |
